Spiritual Travel

Budget 2025 Focuses On Spiritual, Medical Tourism, And Building New Travel Destinations

Published

6 months ago

February 1, 2025

Nalanda, an ancient large Buddhist monastery, located near Patna, Bihar, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Image: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a host of announcements related to the travel and hospitality sector on Saturday as she presented the Union Budget 2025-2026.

Majorly, they included streamlining e-visa facilities along with visa-fee waivers for certain tourist groups, along with developing prominent tourist sites. As part of the plan, 50 tourist destinations will be developed with states expected to provide land for infrastructure.

“To further boost tourism, hotels in the key destinations will be included in the harmonised infrastructure list, ensuring better access to financing and development support,” she said.

Rajiv Mehra, president of the International Association of Tour Operators says, “Infrastructure status to hotels in these destinations would help them get access to credit at lower rates thus helping in reducing costs.”

Additionally, states that have demonstrated effective destination management on parameters such as tourist amenities, cleanliness, and marketing efforts are likely to receive performance-linked incentives.

She said the government will keep continuing to focus on places of religious and spiritual significance, especially on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha. Further, the ‘Heal in India’ initiative will be an effort to boost medical tourism, in partnership with the private sector, she added

.Also read: Union Budget 2025: Legislative climb ahead for nuclear energy; industry optimistic about clean tech

She also announced modifications to the UDAN or the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik scheme. Initially launched in 2016, under it, 619 routes connecting 88 airports—including two water aerodromes and 13 heliports—have so far launched operations. To aid enhanced regional connectivity, 120 new destinations will be added in the next decade. The scheme will also be aimed at developing helipads and smaller airports in hilly areas, especially the northeast regional districts. The FM also announced adding greenfield airports in Bihar, in addition to the expansion of the capacity of the Patna airport.

“The Udaan scheme has enabled 1.5 crore middle-class people to meet their aspirations for speedier travel,” she announced in her eighth budget speech.

The hospitality and tourism sector is also set to benefit from the efforts to be dedicated towards intensive skill development programs for the youth, including institutes of hospitality management, to promote “employment-led” growth.

To aid local economic growth, the government also plans to strengthen homestays by offering Mudra loans that don’t require borrowers to offer security against them.

Also read: Push for health care: BCD exemption for lifesaving drugs, additional medical seats and more in Budget 2025

Various stakeholders in the sector have welcomed the budget calling it progressive and beneficial as it could help unlock growth opportunities and boost tourism in India.

“The budget presents a transformative vision for India’s travel and tourism sector, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic growth and employment,” says Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip, an online travel aggregator. He adds, “With a focus on seamless travel, enhanced infrastructure, and an enabling policy framework, this budget lays a strong foundation for a new era of tourism-led economic growth, ensuring India remains a top destination for both domestic and international travellers.”

The focus on public-private collaboration in developing top destinations is particularly encouraging, say sector experts. “It signals a shift towards structured, long-term growth rather than short-term measures. With the right execution, these initiatives can strengthen India’s position as a leading global tourism destination while creating significant employment opportunities across the sector,” says Karan Agarwal, director of Cox & Kings, a travel brand.

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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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