Tourism Infrastructure Development Initiatives
The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 117 projects worth ₹5,756.62 crore over the last two financial years (2024-25 and 2025-26) across multiple schemes to develop tourism infrastructure and augment basic amenities nationwide. The projects were implemented through various programs including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA).
Scheme-wise Project Allocation
Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, 24 projects were sanctioned totaling ₹1,565.62 crore, including the development of Suryalanka Beach Experience in Andhra Pradesh (₹97.52 crore), Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya, Bihar (₹165.44 crore), and Bhoramdeo Corridor Development in Chhattisgarh (₹146.00 crore).
The Challenge Based Destination Development scheme saw 37 projects sanctioned worth ₹687.99 crore, covering categories such as Culture & Heritage, Spiritual Tourism, Ecotourism, and Vibrant Village Programme. Notable projects include Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Heritage development in Andhra Pradesh (₹25 crore) and Orchha Medieval Splendour in Madhya Pradesh (₹25 crore).
Under the PRASHAD scheme, 9 pilgrimage development projects were sanctioned totaling ₹172.27 crore, including Annavaram Temple Town development in Andhra Pradesh (₹25.33 crore) and Bom Jesus Basilica development in Goa (₹16.46 crore).
The Assistance to Central Agencies scheme allocated ₹17.46 crore for 2 projects implemented by ITDC and BECIL, including illumination works at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu (₹11.47 crore).
The DA-JUGA sub-scheme for tribal homestays development sanctioned 5 projects worth ₹17.52 crore across Andhra Pradesh, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and Uttarakhand.
Additionally, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, 40 iconic tourist center projects were sanctioned worth ₹3,295.76 crore, including major developments in Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh (₹77.91 crore), Assam State Zoo in Guwahati (₹97.12 crore), and INS Guldar Underwater Museum in Maharashtra (₹46.91 crore).
Digital Promotion and Ease of Travel Initiatives
The Ministry launched the revamped Incredible India Digital Platform in September 2024, serving as a one-stop digital interface available in multiple languages with curated travel content and seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs, buses, and ASI monument tickets through partnerships with Online Travel Agents. Promotion is further supported through social media campaigns, digital campaigns, and influencer collaborations.
To improve ease of travel, the government has liberalized the visa regime through the e-Visa facility available under nine sub-categories for nationals of 174 countries. The Ministry provides a 24x7 Multi-lingual Tourist Helpline and has introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme to create professionally trained tourist facilitators. The Ministry is also working with Civil Aviation to improve connectivity to tourist destinations under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), identifying 53 tourism routes.
Niche Tourism Development
The Ministry promotes specialized tourism products including spiritual, eco, adventure, rural, tribal, wellness, medical, MICE, wedding, and heritage tourism 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. Specific initiatives include the "Meet in India" sub-brand for MICE tourism, "India Says I Do" campaign for destination weddings, and the Model Adventure Tourism Safety Framework.
Cultural Integration Programs
Under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, the Ministry organizes its flagship event Bharat Parv annually during Republic Day celebrations with participation from all States and Union Territories. The Ministry's Central Autonomous Bodies, including 21 Institutes of Hotel Management, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, Indian Culinary Institute, and India Tourism Offices regularly organize student exchange programs, familiarization visits, cultural programs, and regional cuisine festivals to promote cultural tourism and national integration.
The written reply was presented by Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Lok Sabha on July 20, 2026.