Tourism Ministry Sanctions 117 Projects Worth ₹5,756.62 Crore to Develop Tourism Infrastructure

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Tourism sanctioned 117 projects worth ₹5,756.62 Crore during the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
• These projects aim to develop tourism infrastructure and augment basic amenities across various states and Union Territories.
• Funding was provided under schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, PRASHAD, Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment.
• Initiatives also include digital promotion through the Incredible India Digital Platform and participation in the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) program.

Detailed Insights:

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on developing specific destinations, with projects like Suryalanka Beach in Andhra Pradesh and the Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
• The Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme supports projects across categories including Culture & Heritage, Spiritual Tourism, Ecotourism, and Vibrant Village Programme.
• PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) funds infrastructure development at pilgrimage sites, such as the Annavaram Temple in Andhra Pradesh and Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, specifically promotes the development of tribal homestays in regions like Ladakh and Mizoram.
• The Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme supports large-scale projects for iconic tourist centers, including the INS-Guldar Underwater Museum in Maharashtra and the Skywalk at Bhaleydhunga in Sikkim.
• Tourism promotion is conducted through the Incredible India Digital Platform (website and mobile app), social media campaigns, and collaborations with influencers.
• The Ministry of Tourism implements programs under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative, organizing events like Bharat Parv and student exchange programs through its autonomous bodies like IHMs, IITTM, and ICI.
• Measures to enhance international tourist arrivals include roadshows, trade meetings, media campaigns, and participation in major international tourism fairs.
• Ease of travel is improved via the e-Visa facility (available for 174 countries), a 24x7 Multi-lingual Tourist Helpline, and the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme.
• Connectivity to tourist destinations is enhanced by coordinating with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under RCS-UDAN, identifying 53 tourism routes.
• Niche tourism products such as spiritual, eco, adventure, rural, tribal, wellness, medical, MICE, wedding, and heritage tourism are promoted through policy initiatives and infrastructure development.
• National Strategies have been formulated for Sustainable Tourism, Rural Tourism, Rural Homestays, MICE, Adventure Tourism, Eco-tourism, and Medical & Wellness Tourism.
• New sub-brands include "Meet in India" for MICE tourism and "India Says I Do" for destination weddings, alongside the Model Adventure Tourism Safety Framework.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0: A scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits and destinations in India.
• PRASHAD Scheme: Focuses on holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA): A sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for promoting tribal homestays and rural tourism.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB): An initiative to promote cultural exchange and national integration among states and UTs.
• e-Visa: An electronic travel authorization allowing foreign nationals to enter India for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
• MICE Tourism: Stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, a specialized segment of tourism.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN): A government initiative to develop regional aviation infrastructure and make air travel affordable.
• Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC): A program to train and certify tourist facilitators and guides across India.