India Revamps Tourism Initiatives for Growth
The Indian Ministry of Tourism is taking significant steps to enhance the country’s tourism landscape through revamped initiatives and financial support. With the launch of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the government aims to promote sustainable tourism while boosting local economies. Additionally, the ‘Chalo India’ campaign encourages the Indian diaspora to attract international visitors, further solidifying India’s position as a premier travel destination.
Revitalizing Tourism with Swadesh Darshan 2.0
The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken a comprehensive review of its existing schemes, leading to the introduction of Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This revamped initiative focuses on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across India. The original Swadesh Darshan scheme, which aimed to create theme-based tourist circuits, has already shown positive impacts on local communities by generating employment opportunities during its construction phase. The new version seeks to build on this success by ensuring that tourism development aligns with environmental sustainability and community welfare.
In addition to Swadesh Darshan, the Ministry also promotes the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD). Both schemes are designed to enhance tourism infrastructure, support community-based tourism, and market destinations effectively. By providing financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations, these initiatives aim to create jobs and stimulate local economies through increased tourist footfall.
Encouraging Global Travel with ‘Chalo India’
In a bid to attract more international visitors, the Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Chalo India’ campaign during the World Tourism Market in London in November 2025. This initiative encourages the Indian diaspora to act as ambassadors for Incredible India, inviting their non-Indian friends to explore the diverse offerings of the country. As part of this campaign, the Ministry is offering gratis e-tourist visas to foreign visitors traveling to India, a program that will remain valid until March 31, 2025. This strategic move aims to enhance India’s appeal as a travel destination and increase its visibility on the global tourism map.
Relaxation of Travel Permits for Enhanced Accessibility
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a significant relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regulations for several regions. This extension, valid for an additional five years until December 31, 2027, applies to identified islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. By easing these restrictions, the government aims to facilitate greater accessibility for tourists, thereby promoting tourism in these less-explored areas. This initiative is expected to open new avenues for travel and exploration, contributing to the overall growth of India’s tourism sector.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
