India’s Tourism Infrastructure Initiatives

International tourist arrivals (2024): >20 million
Foreign exchange earnings from tourism (2024): ~Rs 3 lakh crore
Domestic tourist visits (2024): ~3 billion
Foreign medical tourists: ~0.64 million; e‑Medical & e‑Ayush visas for 171 countries
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 launch: 2023 – destination‑centric, sustainable tourism mission
Sub‑schemes of Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) – outcome‑based competition covering Spiritual, Cultural‑Heritage, Vibrant Villages, Ecotourism/Amrit Dharohar sites
PM‑JUGA (PM‑Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan) – tribal livelihood uplift through homestays & cultural tourism
PRASHAD Scheme: Financial assistance for integrated development of pilgrimage destinations
MICE Tourism Push: National Strategy & Roadmap, ‘Meet in India’ sub‑brand, Digital MICE Catalogue covering 60+ cities (including G20 host cities), Meet in India Conclave 2025 (Jaipur)

The Ministry of Tourism has adopted a mission‑mode approach, aligning flagship schemes with broader national missions such as Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Swadesh Darshan (2014‑15) laid the foundation for thematic circuits; its 2.0 version emphasizes sustainable, responsible development and integrates infrastructure, services, skills, destination management, and policy reforms.
PRASHAD targets the spiritual tourism segment, leveraging India’s vast pilgrimage network to boost regional economies.
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) is identified as a high‑value segment to attract business travelers and generate higher per‑capita spend.

Economic Growth: Tourism contributes ~9‑10% to India’s GDP and is a major source of services export.
Employment Generation: Direct and indirect jobs across hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and allied sectors.
Regional Development: Schemes like CBDD and PM‑JUGA promote inclusive growth by focusing on tribal and rural areas.
Healthcare & Wellness: E‑Medical and e‑Ayush visas position India as a hub for affordable tertiary care and AYUSH‑based wellness tourism.
International Image: MICE initiatives and the ‘Meet in India’ brand enhance India’s standing as a global conference destination, attracting high‑spending delegates.

Tourism (Development and Regulation) Act, 2022 – provides a legal framework for the promotion and regulation of tourism activities.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India – empowered under the Union List (Entry 97) of the Constitution to formulate policies and schemes.
State Cooperation: Many schemes are implemented in partnership with State Governments under the Concurrent List provisions, ensuring coordinated infrastructure development.