Spiritual Travel

Government to develop 50 tourist destinations in partnership with states

Published

6 months ago

February 1, 2025

Other measures include improving ease of travel, enhancing connectivity to tourist destinations, and offering performance-linked incentives to states for better destination management. These incentives will focus on tourist amenities, cleanliness, and marketing efforts.

The minister further announced that the government would streamline e-visa facilities and introduce visa-fee waivers for certain tourist groups to attract more international visitors.

Lauding the budget proposals, K Syama Raju, president of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), said, “This collaboration will not only improve infrastructure but also help spread tourism across the country, attracting more visitors and benefiting local communities. Additionally, the inclusion of hotels in these destinations in the harmonised master list is a significant move. The introduction of visa fee waivers and e-visa options for certain tourist groups will make India an even more attractive destination. Simplifying the visa process will encourage more international visitors, boosting tourism and further contributing to the economy.”

Sitharaman also announced measures to promote medical tourism under the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, in partnership with the private sector. The initiative will focus on capacity building and relaxed visa norms to attract more international patients seeking medical treatment in India.

Commenting on the budget, Lucas Ramos, senior director for Travel & Membership (Asia, Pacific & India) at Resort Condominiums International (RCI), said, “The budget underscores the Indian Government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic growth, job creation, and global engagement. By developing top destinations in partnership with states, enhancing medical tourism through the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, and introducing visa reforms, India is strengthening its appeal as a world-class travel and healthcare hub. The inclusion of hotels in the harmonised scheme and visa waivers for select foreign tourists further reinforces a comprehensive, future-ready travel ecosystem.”

He added that with strategic policy alignment and private sector collaboration, the budget paves the way for India to become a more accessible, competitive, and thriving global destination.

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Spiritual Travel

India’s Tourism Sector and Vision 2047 Towards a $32 Trillion Economy

Published

15 hours ago

July 21, 2025

Shivam

The Government of India has set an ambitious target to raise the contribution of tourism to 10% of GDP by 2047, aligning with its broader goal of transforming India into a $32 trillion economy. Rich in cultural heritage, natural diversity, and spiritual wealth, India’s tourism sector is poised to become a major engine of economic growth, employment, and global influence, provided structural and strategic challenges are addressed.

Background

Currently, tourism contributes about 5–6% to India’s GDP, with the country ranking 14th globally in tourism receipts (as of 2023). India accounted for 1.8% of global tourism revenue, with projections showing a 24% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the sector. The government now aims to double its share in the economy by 2047 through sustainable and inclusive development.

Significance

Tourism is a labour-intensive industry with vast potential for job creation, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. It also enhances foreign exchange earnings, supports infrastructure development, and strengthens cultural diplomacy. India’s immense spiritual, ecological, and historical diversity positions it uniquely to tap into global travel trends, including medical tourism, adventure tourism, and eco-tourism.

Types of Tourism in India

Spiritual Tourism: India’s temples, pilgrimage towns, and religious circuits attract millions of domestic and international tourists.
Adventure Tourism: Mountain treks in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Himalayas are popular.
Beach Tourism: Goa, Kerala, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands remain top destinations.
Cultural Tourism: Fairs like the Pushkar Mela and Taj Mahotsav showcase India’s rich traditions.
Wildlife Tourism: National parks like Jim Corbett and Kaziranga attract eco-conscious travelers.
Medical Tourism: India is emerging as a hub for affordable, high-quality healthcare under the “Heal in India” initiative.

Key Challenges

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor transport and facilities in key destinations.
Environmental Degradation: Unregulated tourism affecting ecosystems.
Lack of Standardization: Inconsistent quality in services.
Seasonality: Fluctuating tourist volumes across seasons.
Marketing Gaps: Lesser-known destinations lack promotion.
Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing tourism with heritage preservation.

Government Initiatives

50 Destination Challenge Mode (2025 Budget): Upgrades infrastructure and connectivity at top sites.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Development of theme-based circuits with world-class amenities.
PRASHAD Scheme: Infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites.
Medical Tourism Boost: Public-private partnerships and visa easing for health travelers.
Atithi Devo Bhava: Training hospitality staff to improve service standards.
Visa Reforms: e-Visa and visa fee waivers to boost international arrivals.
Support for Sustainable Tourism: Eco-tourism, responsible travel, and green certifications.
Employment Measures (2025–26): MUDRA loans for homestays, performance-based incentives to states, and simplified visa systems.

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Spiritual Travel

MP now heartbeat of global tourism, 134.1 million tourists visited last year

Published

2 days ago

July 19, 2025

IANS

Jaipur, July 19 (IANS) With its sweeping landscapes, sacred rivers, vibrant culture and world-class heritage, Madhya Pradesh is no longer just the ‘Heart of India’ — it’s becoming the heartbeat of global tourism.

This message rang loud and clear during the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s roadshow held at Jaipur’s Jai Mahal Hotel on Friday.

Speaking to a packed event of tourism stakeholders, filmmakers, and hospitality professionals from both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee, highlighted the state’s soaring popularity.

In 2024 alone, Madhya Pradesh welcomed 134.1 million tourists, with 70 million visiting for religious and spiritual experience, to Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak, the sacred origin of the Narmada River.

But spiritual tourism is just one facet of Madhya Pradesh’s appeal.

“We want to showcase the hidden gems of Madhya Pradesh to the world,” Mukherjee said.

“From majestic temples to dense jungles, from tribal art to local cuisine — we’re creating experiences, not just sightseeing tours. We’re building a sustainable, immersive, and community-led tourism model that speaks to the soul of every traveller.”

In an interesting pitch, she proposed an exciting expansion of the iconic Golden Triangle tourism circuit which she said can work miracles if turned into an arch.

“Imagine tourists travelling from Agra to Gwalior, then exploring the Orchha-Gwalior-Datia belt,” she said.

“Those coming from Chittorgarh can easily explore Mandsaur, Ujjain and Omkareshwar — blending Rajasthan’s desert heritage with Madhya Pradesh’s water sports and adventure tourism offerings in a single trip.”

She also added that Madhya Pradesh is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka — and 15 others on India’s tentative list, making up a quarter of the country’s UNESCO sites.

Madhya Pradesh also boasts a vibrant cultural identity, with tribal traditions like the Bhagoria dance, Gond paintings, and the Narmada Parikrama pilgrimage recognised on India’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, she said.

With titles like Tiger State, Leopard State, Cheetah State, and even Vulture and Gharial State, Madhya Pradesh has something for every nature lover, Mukherjee added.

It is a wildlife haven and with all these products, the number of tourists soared from 11.41 crore to 13.42 during 2023 to 2024, she said.

With the upcoming Tourism Policy 2025, Madhya Pradesh is also rolling out the red carpet for investors, she added.

The policy offers attractive incentives, including 90-year land leases, low stamp duties, and e-tender processes for accessing land, wayside amenities, and heritage properties.

Ultra-mega tourism projects with investments more than Rs 100 crore can even be allocated land directly.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism officials also said: “It is not tourists who are flocking to Madhya Pradesh — the film industry is also being lured to the state. With a dedicated Film Facilitation Cell, shooting permissions are now fast-tracked. Since the launch of its film policy, more than 400 film and OTT projects have been shot in Madhya Pradesh, including Stree, Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Sui Dhaaga, Laapataa Ladies, Padman, Dhadak 2, Panchayat, Kota Factory, Gullak, and Citadel.”

No surprise then that the Indian government named Madhya Pradesh the “Most Film-Friendly State” for 2017–2020, she added.

Mukherjee concluded with a smile, saying: “Madhya Pradesh offers ‘sab kuch jo dil chahe’. The world is welcome to discover it.”

–IANS

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