Budget for Tourism Sector: Govt to boost tourism in India with new destinations, medical travel & homestays

Budget 2025: Focus on enhancing Buddhist tourism to attract global visitors. (Image: Canva)

On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025, bringing a wave of optimism for India’s tourism sector. With a focus on growth, employment generation, and infrastructure development, the tourism industry looks forward to an exciting year ahead. Let’s explore what the Union Budget 2025 holds for this dynamic sector.

Key Takeaways from Budget 2025 for the Tourism Sector

1. Developing Top Tourist Destinations
To enhance India’s global standing as a premier tourist destination, the government announced plans to develop the top 50 tourist sites in partnership with state governments. This initiative will include key infrastructure upgrades to improve the overall visitor experience.

2. Partnering for Destination Development
As part of a broader strategy to improve tourism infrastructure, 22 destinations across the country will be developed in collaboration with state authorities. The focus will be on enhancing the appeal and accessibility of these locations to attract more visitors.

3. Special Focus on Buddhist Tourism
The budget also announced a special focus on destinations associated with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. These sites will be developed to promote spiritual tourism, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors and elevate India’s status as a spiritual tourism hub.

4. Promoting Medical Tourism and the ‘Heal in India’ Initiative
To position India as a global hub for healthcare, the government emphasized the promotion of medical tourism. Streamlined visa processes and collaborations with the private sector will make it easier for international patients to access India’s world-class healthcare services. The "Heal in India" initiative will further boost India’s status as a healthcare destination.

5. PM Gatishakti for Private Sector Access
A significant step announced in the budget was the PM Gatishakti initiative, which will provide the private sector with access to relevant data and maps. This move aims to improve connectivity, logistics, and the seamless transportation of tourists, ultimately enhancing the accessibility of various tourist spots.

6. MUDRA Loans for Homestays and Standardized Hotel Schemes
To strengthen the hospitality sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the inclusion of hotels in a harmonized scheme to promote consistent standards across the industry. Additionally, MUDRA loans will be available for homestays, empowering small businesses and individuals to enter the tourism industry. This initiative supports the government’s goal of decentralizing tourism and encouraging local entrepreneurship.