"Union Budget 2025: Developing 50 Premier Tourist Destinations in 'Challenge Mode'

"Union Budget 2025: Developing 50 Premier Tourist Destinations in 'Challenge Mode'

These destinations will be developed in collaboration with states to enhance tourism infrastructure, improve travel convenience, and strengthen connectivity to key attractions. States will be tasked with providing land for essential infrastructure, which will be included in the Infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML).

Key Focus of the Budget:

• Employment-Driven Growth: Emphasis on skill development programs, MUDRA loans for homestays, and enhanced travel and connectivity to tourist destinations.

• Spiritual Tourism: A focus on promoting pilgrimage and heritage tourism, with particular attention to Buddhist sites.

• Medical Tourism: The "Heal in India" initiative aims to strengthen India's global healthcare reputation.

• Gyan Bharatam Mission: Aimed at documenting and preserving India's manuscript heritage.

Tourism Sector Contribution:

• The sector contributed 5% to GDP in FY23 and generated 7.6 crore jobs during the same period.
• India captured 1.8% of global tourism receipts and ranked 14th globally in tourism revenue in 2023.

Government Initiatives:

• Infrastructure Development: Programs like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD Scheme, and RCS-UDAN for regional connectivity.

• Policy & Legal Framework: National Tourism Policy and e-visa facilities for various categories.

• Thematic Tourism Promotion: Focus on wellness, culinary, rural, and eco-tourism.

• NIDHI (National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry): A digital platform aimed at simplifying business operations in the hospitality and tourism sectors."

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