New Delhi, Apr 15 : Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni today said that the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned Rs. 484.58 lakh to the Government of Punjab for the project ‘Integrated Development of Wagah/ Attari Border as a tourist destination’ during the year 2005-06.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Ambika said, ‘The components of the project includes development of tourist facilities and upgradation of surroundings of Wagah/ Attari Border, construction of Aman Umeed Bhawan and development of Rajasansi Village Carpet Weaver Complex.”

Besides, the Minister also said that no specific incentives have been provided to the tourists of any country.

However, she said that the facility of long-term multiple entry tourist visas of five year duration has been introduced for the nationals of 18 countries.”

“The names of these countries are France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chili, Mexico and Vietnam. This long-term visa will carry stay stipulation of 90 days on each visit,” she said in a written reply. (ANI)