Government Initiatives

The Indian Government has realised the country’s potential in the tourism industry and has taken several steps to make India a global tourism hub. Some of the major initiatives planned by the Government of India to boost the tourism and hospitality sector of India are as follows:

• In the Union Budget 2022-23:
  • US$ 290.4 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Tourism. Under the Union Budget 2023-24, an outlay of US$ 170.85 million has been allocated for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to develop a complete package of 50 tourist destinations for providing a wholesome tourism experience by facilitating physical, digital and virtual connectivity, availability of tourist guides and tourist security.
  • Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 76 projects under the scheme since its inception under 13 themes for a revised sanctioned cost of US$ 668.95 million and has released US$ 534.9 million (till December 31, 2021).
  • Under Budget 2023-24, the Government has allocated US$ 30.25 million for the development of tourist circuits under PRASHAD. Since its launch in January 2015 and Ministry has sanctioned 37 projects in 24 states with estimated expenditure of US$ 146.4 million and a cumulative amount of US$ 91.6 million has been released for these projects. 68 destinations/sites have been identified in 30 States/UTs for development under the PRASHAD Scheme as on March 31, 2022.
  • Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Quality Council of India (QCI), to assist the Hospitality Industry in their preparedness to continue operations safely and mitigate risks arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic through an initiative called SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness and Training for Hospitality Industry). A hotel/unit goes through the SAATHI framework and agrees to fully follow the requirements wherever applicable possible, and a self-certification is issued. Self-certified Hotel/units attend webinars to clarify doubts through live interactions. If Hotel/unit desires, they may undertake site-assessment based on SAATHI framework through QCI accredited agencies and an assessment report with opportunities for improvement is shared with the assessed unit.
• Visa reforms include a significantly expanded Golden Visa scheme, a five-year Green residency and new entry permits, including one for job seekers. The new system also offers additional benefits to sponsor family members
• To ease travels for international tourists, the Government of India has launched a scheme wherein five lakh tourists will get free visas.
• In August 2022, Ministry of Tourism sanctioned 76 projects for Rs. 5,399.15 crore (US$ 678.39 million) under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
• In June 2022, the Ministry of Tourism along with Associations of Indian Universities (AIU) initiated a 12 episode webinar series under ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ (AKAM) to engage and expose young minds of our country to the rich and diverse heritage of the country.
• Till the end of September 2022, a total of 155 Dekho Apna Desh webinars have been organized by Ministry of Tourism.
• The Ministry of Tourism has launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller Campaign in June 2022.
• From November 15, 2021, India allowed fully vaccinated foreign tourists to visit India, which in turn will help revive the Indian travel and hospitality sector.
• In November 2021, the Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation to strengthen hospitality and tourism industry. The ministry has also signed a MoU with Easy My Trip, Cleartrip, Yatra.com, Make My Trip and Goibibo.
• In November 2021, the Indian government planned a conference to boost film tourism in the country with an aim to establish domestic spots as preferred filming destinations. This move is expected to create jobs and boost tourism in the country.
• In September 2021, the government launched NIDHI 2.0 (National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry) scheme which will maintain a database of hospitality sector components such as accommodation units, travel agents, tour operators, & others. NIDHI 2.0 will facilitate the digitalisation of the tourism sector by encouraging all hotels to register themselves on the platform.
• Government is planning to boost the tourism in India by leveraging on the lighthouses in the country. 71 lighthouses have been identified for development as tourist spots.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a new scheme called ‘All India Tourist Vehicles Authorisation and Permit Rules, 2021’, in which a tourist vehicle operator can register online for All India Tourist Authorisation/Permit. This permit will be issued within 30 days of submitting the application.
• The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) runs a series of Bharat Darshan tourist trains aimed at taking people to various pilgrimages across the country.
• During 2019-20, an additional fund Rs. 1,854.67 crore (US$ 269.22 million) was sanctioned for new projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
• Ministry of Tourism sanctioned 18 projects covering all the North Eastern States for Rs. 1,456 crore (US$ 211.35 million) to develop and promote of tourism in the region under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.
• Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as ‘State of Unity’, was inaugurated in October 2018 and the total revenue generated till November 2019 stood at Rs. 82.51 crore (US$ 11.81 million).