These destinations will be developed in partnership with states to elevate tourism infrastructure, improve ease of travel, and strengthen connectivity to key sites.
- States will be required to provide land for critical infrastructure, which will be classified under the Infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML).
Key Focus of Budget
- Employment-Led Growth: Skill development programs, MUDRA loans for homestays, improved travel and connectivity to tourist spots.
- Spiritual Tourism: Focus on pilgrimage and heritage tourism, especially Buddhist sites.
- Medical Tourism: Promote "Heal in India" initiative to boost India’s global healthcare position.
- Gyan Bharatam Mission: Documentation and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage.
Contribution of Tourism Sector:
- Accounted for 5% of GDP in FY23. The sector also created 7.6 crore jobs during the same period.
- India received 1.8 per cent of world tourism receipts and attained a rank of 14th worldwide in world tourism receipts during 2023.
Measures taken by govt
- Infrastructure Development: Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD Scheme, RCS-UDAN for regional connectivity.
- Policy & Legal: National Tourism Policy, E-Visa for multiple categories.
- Thematic Tourism: Promoting wellness, culinary, rural, and eco-tourism.
- NIDHI(National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry): Digital system for ease of business in hospitality & tourism.
