Sikkim emerges top spender in tourism

New Delhi, Mar 7 (PTI) Sikkim has emerged as topper in utilising maximum funds in tourism infrastructure in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.

The small hilly state has spent Rs 163.44 crores, which is a maximum utilisation of funds by any state in tourism projects upto September 2009.

Sikkim is followed by Jammu and Kashmir which has spent Rs 141.70 crores for the development of tourism in the state.

"Sikkim is the top state in utilising maximum funds in tourism projects. It has recently undertaken three heliport projects," said Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee.

Beside Sikkim and Kashmir, according to the statistics prepared by the Tourism Ministry, Andhra Pradesh (Rs 129.82 crores), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 113.77 cr) and Karnataka (Rs 90.67 cr) also figure in the top ten states in terms of utilising funds in tourism projects.