Major Achievements of India’s Ministry of Tourism in 2024
The Ministry of Tourism in India has made significant strides in 2024, focusing on infrastructure development, promotion, marketing, and sustainable tourism. These initiatives aim to enhance the country’s tourism landscape, making it more attractive to both domestic and international travelers. The ministry’s efforts reflect a commitment to sustainable practices, cultural promotion, and economic growth through tourism. This article explores the key achievements and initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism in 2024.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives
In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned a total of 76 projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, amounting to ₹5,287.90 crore. Remarkably, 75 of these projects have been completed, showcasing the ministry’s efficiency in executing infrastructure development. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims to promote integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
Additionally, the ministry revamped this scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. Under SD2.0, 34 projects were approved with a budget of ₹793.20 crore. This new approach emphasizes a tourist-centric model, ensuring that destinations are developed with the needs and experiences of visitors in mind.
The ministry also allocated ₹1,646.99 crore for 48 projects under the PRASHAD Scheme, of which 23 projects have been completed. This scheme focuses on the development of pilgrimage sites, enhancing the spiritual tourism experience in India. Furthermore, 65 projects worth ₹937.56 crore were sanctioned under the Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme, with 38 projects already completed. These initiatives are crucial for improving the overall infrastructure and accessibility of tourist destinations across the country.
Promotion and Marketing Strategies
The Ministry of Tourism has actively promoted India’s diverse tourism offerings through various events and campaigns in 2024. One of the highlights was the “Bharat Parv” event held at the Red Fort grounds in Delhi from January 23 to 31. This event showcased thematic pavilions representing different states and union territories, highlighting their unique tourist attractions. Cultural performances by regional associations added vibrancy to the event, while local artisans showcased their crafts, promoting the “Vocal for Local” initiative.
In a bid to engage the public, the ministry launched the “Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024” poll. This nationwide initiative aims to identify the most preferred tourist attractions across five categories, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Additionally, the ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Education to organize the “Dekho Apna Desh Schools Contest.” This contest encourages students to create brochures highlighting their district’s tourism offerings, fostering awareness and appreciation for local attractions.
The “Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign” was another significant initiative. It encourages members of the Indian diaspora to act as ambassadors for Indian tourism, inviting their friends to visit India. The campaign also announced one lakh free e-visas for foreign tourists, further incentivizing international travel to India.
Sustainable Tourism Development
Sustainability has been a key focus for the Ministry of Tourism in 2024. The ministry launched the second edition of the Best Tourism Village Competition to recognize villages that exemplify tourism excellence. This initiative, conducted in partnership with various stakeholders, acknowledged 36 villages across eight categories for their outstanding contributions to tourism.
Furthermore, the ministry introduced the “Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi” initiative on World Tourism Day, September 27, 2024. This program aims to promote responsible tourism while providing social inclusion and economic opportunities for local communities. By training local residents to become ambassadors for their destinations, the initiative enhances the overall tourist experience.
The ministry also facilitated partnerships between eight leading hospitality chains and 21 Institutes of Hotel Management. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of service in the tourism sector by providing students with practical exposure to industry best practices. Such initiatives are vital for ensuring that tourism contributes positively to local economies while preserving cultural heritage and natural resources.
Enhancing the Ease of Doing Business
To attract greater investments in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism launched a comprehensive handbook. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for states and union territories to grant and implement ‘industry status’ for tourism and hospitality. By simplifying processes and offering clear guidelines, the ministry aims to create a more conducive environment for investment and job creation in the tourism sector.
The ministry’s efforts in 2024 reflect a holistic approach to tourism development. By focusing on infrastructure, promotion, sustainability, and ease of doing business, the Ministry of Tourism is paving the way for a vibrant and responsible tourism industry in India. These initiatives not only enhance the travel experience for tourists but also contribute to the economic growth and cultural preservation of the country.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, 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.