To promote domestic tourism, India has approved interest-free loans to 40 projects across 23 states for 50 years worth ₹3,295.8 crore under the special assistance to states for capital investment, said the Economic Survey FY2024-25.
As per the Economic Survey FY25, which was tabled in Parliament on Friday, the initiative aims to create “iconic tourist centres of global standards” by supporting their development and marketing
The survey also cited the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, which targets integrated development of tourism destinations, including theme-based tourist circuits.
“This programme was rechristened as the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0’ (SD 2.0) in 2022, with the vision to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. Under this scheme, 34 projects have been approved, with a total funding of ₹793.2 crore,” said the survey tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
According to the survey, the government has introduced ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD), which aims to develop tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations and heritage cities.
Furthermore, to encourage tourism, ‘Bharat Gaurav’ trains have been introduced as theme-based tourist circuit trains that showcase “India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places”.
“Under this scheme, the service provider is to provide comprehensive tour services comprising meals, accommodation, transport, sightseeing, tour guide, etc. As of date, a total of 325 trips of ‘Bharat Gaurav’ trains carrying 1,91,033 tourists have been operated covering various tourist destinations,” the survey said.
Additionally, the survey pointed out that improved waterways have benefited both cargo and tourism, recording 82,587 passengers on day cruises by October 2024 and a fivefold increase in night cruise passengers at 11,431 in FY24, compared to FY19.
In addition, international tourist arrivals (ITAs) have rebounded to pre-pandemic level in 2023. The share of India’s ITAs in World ITAs stands at 1.45 per cent in 2023. Consequently, foreign exchange earnings through tourism stood at $28 billion.
The survey showed that India’s tourism sector reached its pre-pandemic GDP contribution level of 5 per cent in FY23. The tourism sector created 7.6 crore jobs in FY23.