Infrastructure projects, marketing campaigns drive tourism growth in 2024
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, undertook several key initiatives in 2024 to boost tourism in the country. These included infrastructure development projects under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, promotion and marketing campaigns like "Bharat Parv" and "Dekho Apna Desh," and participation in international travel fairs to showcase India's diverse tourism offerings to the global market.
nMinistry of Tourism has sanctioned a total of 76 projects for an amount of Rs.5287.90 Crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, out of which 75 projects are physically complete.
nMinistry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach. 34 projects have been sanctioned for Rs.793.20 Crore under SD2.0.
nMinistry of Tourism has sanctioned a total of 48 projects for an amount of Rs.1646.99 Crore under the PRASHAD Scheme, out of which 23 projects have been completed.
nA total of 65 projects for an amount of Rs 937.56 Crore have been sanctioned under the Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme, out of which 38 projects have been physically completed.
nMinistry of Tourism has formulated guidelines for 'Challenge Based Destination Development' as sub scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme to enhance tourist experience across all points of the tourist value chain. Under this scheme, proposals have been invited under four thematic categories (i) Spiritual Tourism, (ii) Culture & Heritage, (iii) Vibrant Village Program, (iv) Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites. The Ministry of Tourism has selected 42 destinations under various tourism themes for development under the scheme.
nAs a follow up to the Budget Announcements 2024-25, a total of 40 projects across 23 States have been sanctioned for an amount of Rs. 3295.76 Crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) - Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale to infuse long term interest free loans for a period of 50 years to States for comprehensive development of iconic tourist centers in the country and branding & marketing them at global scale.
nMinistry of Tourism organized "Bharat Parv" event at the Red Fort grounds, Delhi, as part of the Republic Day Celebrations from 23rd to 31st January, 2024. Thematic Pavilions of States/ UTs were setup to showcase diverse tourist attractions of the country. Cultural performances by various regional cultural associations were also organized. The event promoted Vocal for Local, through the participation of local artisans from across the country by displaying and selling their products.
nLaunched 'Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice 2024' - a Nationwide poll to identify the most preferred tourist attractions under 5 categories. It is also an effort to identify attractions and destinations for development in mission mode, contributing to India's journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047.
nMinistry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Education is organizing a nation-wide Dekho Apna Desh Schools Contest for Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) and Navodaya Vidyalaya (NV) Schools. The students are expected to create physical brochure of their District's tourism attractions, destinations, experiences, and other offerings. The initiative aims to make the students aware about the tourism wonders and attractions present in each district of the country.
nChalo India Global Diaspora Campaign was launched to enable Indian diaspora members become Incredible India ambassadors.
The campaign has been implemented in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari for an Atulya and Viksit Bharat to encourage the Indian diaspora to invite their 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India every year. One lakh free e-visas for foreign tourists visiting India under 'Chalo India' campaign have been announced for the remaining part of the current Financial Year.
nOn the occasion of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in July 2024, an 'Incredible India' exhibition was set up at Bharat Mandapam to highlight India's rich cultural heritage, age-old civilization, geographical diversity, hidden gems in tourism along with modern developments, for the delegates.
