New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS): India will announce on World Tourism Day on September 27 the setting up of a medical and wellness board to facilitate foreign tourists for availing quality healthcare services in the country.

"The ministry of tourism will announce the establishment of the medical and wellness tourism board and its functioning on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27," Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said here.

He said there would be a focused approach to medical tourism and all information will be made available on a single portal.

The central government was working on increasing India's share in world tourism as well as scaling up the foreign exchange earnings and employment through tourism, he said.

"Earlier, the tourism sector was not being given its rightful place as a key player in economic growth of the country. The government is now laying emphasis on the economic benefits of the tourism sector," Sharma said.

On safety of tourists, the minister said it was of utmost concern for the government.

He said his ministry recently announced it will introduce 12 more international languages for the helpline service aimed at ensuring safety and security of tourists, especially of women.