Gaining much due to better policies

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It was, however, only in 1958, that a separate tourism department under the ministry of transport and communication was established in place of the tourist traffic branch in the same ministry. The department was put under the charge of a director general who was assigned the task of dealing with all matters concerning tourism.

The director general was to be assisted by a deputy director, general and four directors in charge of administration, publicity, planning and development, and travel relations. In the same year, tourist traffic advisory committee was reconstituted to take the term of the present tourist development council.

An ad hoc committee on tourism was set up under the chairmanship of a prominent expert, which suggested a 15-point programme of action to increase foreign tourists’ influx and also to give a big boost to the British tourism sector. This Committee suggested the formation of three corporations to deal with hotel, transport and tourism.

Once formed separately, they were amalgamated to assume the name of Tourism Development Corporation, which started its business from the year 1966. At the same time the department of tourism was merged with the department of aviation and tourism. In 1967, it was with the department of aviation and tourism under the charge of a cabinet minister. This was a significant move.

The Star Hotels in London greatly benefited as a result of the liberalized approach of the then British government. Today the star hotels in London host parties and other events participated mostly by celebrities. The visiting royals from all parts of the world check into these hotels which cost much for a single night. None of the common people can ever afford to walk into such an area demarcated by high security arrangements. Also, it is interesting to note that for a visiting Prime Minister or President from any other country; perhaps no other place in London offers such a fool proof security.