The tourism sector was one of the four opportunities outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2023-24 that could be transformative during the Amrit Kaal and achieve inclusive growth.
The Finance Minister highlighted that the tourism sector holds a huge potential for creating entrepreneurship and job opportunities, mainly for the youth.
In her Budget speech, the FM had said that active participation of states, convergence of programmes and public-private partnerships would be undertaken in 2023-24 to promote tourism on a mission mode as India offers an immense attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists.
To realise the tourism sector’s full potential in creating jobs as well as a growth driver, the government in 2023-24 undertook various steps to develop new tourism destinations, upskilling programmes, revival of rural tourism and promoting religious circuits.
The government is in the process of developing at least 50 destinations, selected through challenge mode based on aspects such as physical connectivity, virtual connectivity, tourist guides, high standards for food streets and tourist security.
Here’s a look at important schemes and projects launched in FY 2023-24 to promote tourism.
Swadesh Darshan scheme
The Tourism Ministry has revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme to develop sustainable tourist spots with a tourist and destination-centric approach.
The ministry also launched the Rural Tourism Village portal that gives information about rural destinations, homestays and related details. It also carries information about the government and industry initiatives to promote rural tourism.
Travel for LiFE Initiative
The Tourism Ministry formulated National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and organised the global launch of the Travel for LiFE initiative in September 2023. The programme aims to promote tourism through mindful and deliberate actions and sustainable consumption of tourism resources.
PRASHAD Scheme
The PRASHAD Scheme is aimed at developing tourist facilities across India at pilgrimage and heritage sites.
Under the scheme, projects are identified in consultation with state governments and are implemented by the state government through their respective agencies. Measures such as the use of environment-friendly materials to reduce carbon emissions, solar plants to make facilities energy efficient, installation of EV charging points at sites and adaptation of modern techniques for solid waste management have been undertaken.
Amrit Dharohar Scheme
The government also announced the Amrit Dharohar scheme to be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal use of wetlands and enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.
Skill India Programme
Sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development have been dovetailed to achieve the objectives of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative.
G20 summit
India organised more than 200 meetings at 60 locations across the country during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. These destinations attracted global tourists and put India on the world tourist map.
G20 meetings have fostered global collaboration between governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to provide memorable experiences for the G20 delegates visiting India.
Various heritage monuments were spruced up for visits by G20 delegates providing them with an opportunity to witness India’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
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