In January 2015, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Tourism to promote theme-based tourism circuits. Under the initiative, 76 projects totalling Rs. 5290.33 crore have been approved. Physically, 75 projects have been finished.

With the aim of creating sustainable and responsible destinations using a visitor- and destination-centric strategy, the ministry has redesigned its Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0). Under the SD2.0 Scheme, 53 projects totalling Rs. 2208.27 crore have been approved.

In order to improve the visitor experience at every stage of the tourist value chain, the Ministry of Tourism has developed guidelines for “Challenge Based Destination Development” (CBDD), a sub-scheme of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme. Under the four thematic areas of (i) Spiritual Tourism, (ii) Culture & Heritage, (iii) Vibrant Village Program, (iv) Ecotourism, and (iv) Amrit Dharohar Sites, 36 projects totalling Rs. 648.11 Crore have been approved.

Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gramme Abhiyan (PM-JUGA) has been approved by the Union Cabinet to improve the socioeconomic status of tribal tribes. Under the PM-JUGA Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism will create 1,000 Tribal Homestays. The interventions will be carried out as a Swadesh Darshan sub-scheme. There are now developed and published guidelines for the development of tribal homestays.

In response to the 2024–25 Budget Announcements, 40 projects in 23 states totalling Rs. 3295.76 crore have been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)–Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale Scheme. This scheme provides states with long-term, interest-free loans for a 50-year period to help them develop iconic tourist destinations nationwide and brand and market them internationally.

In order to promote the integrated development of the nation’s chosen pilgrimage sites, the MoT has also introduced the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme. Under the initiative, 54 projects totalling Rs. 1726.74 crore have been approved. Thirty-one projects are finished.

The Archaeological Survey of India, Port Trust of India, ITDC, Ministry of Railways, and other central agencies receive financial support for the development of tourism infrastructure under the Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme. Through this scheme, 66 projects totalling Rs. 948.78 crore have been approved. Ten of these have been foreclosed on, while 39 projects have been physically finished.

Advertising and Public Relations

During the Republic Day celebrations from January 26 to 31, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism hosted a “Bharat Parv” event in the Red Fort grounds in Delhi. States’ and UTs’ themed pavilions were established to highlight the nation’s many tourist attractions. Additionally, a number of area cultural associations organised cultural acts. Bharat Parv’s theme was “Dekho Apna Desh”.

On June 21, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism commemorated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY). In keeping with the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the Ministry of Tourism hosted activities in 40 historically and ecologically significant tourist destinations throughout the nation, emphasising sustainable tourism, holistic wellness, and cultural heritage.

Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign: The Chalo India initiative announced one lakh free e-tourist visas. Until March 31, 2025, the Indian diaspora can become Incredible India Ambassadors by urging five of their friends who are not Indian to travel to India.

To highlight the North-Eastern States of India’s tourist potential, the Ministry of Tourism has been hosting the International Tourism Mart (ITM) across the region. From November 13 to 16, 2025, Gangtok, Sikkim, hosted the 13th International Tourism Mart (ITM). Numerous domestic and international tourism stakeholders came together for the four-day event.

In order to establish India as a top international location for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), the ministry created a Comprehensive Digital MICE Catalogue. The inventory describes the MICE infrastructure in 60 Indian towns, including the main conference centres, facilities, connectivity, and neighbouring attractions. By providing a single digital platform for both domestic and foreign event organisers, the project raises India’s profile, competitiveness, and ability to host major international events.

Shaping India’s Infra to Allure More Tourists 

By introducing tourists to “tourist-friendly” individuals who are proud ambassadors & storytellers for their destination, the Ministry of Tourism’s “Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi” national responsible tourism initiative aims to improve tourism as a vehicle for social inclusion, employment, and economic advancement. The programme has resulted in the training of about 4382 tourism service providers.

In order to market India as a destination for important conferences and exhibits, the Ministry of Tourism has created the National Strategy and Roadmap for the MICE Industry and introduced the “Meet in India” sub-brand. To assist both domestic and international planners, a thorough Digital MICE Catalogue covering infrastructure and facilities across more than 60 cities—including G20 host cities—has been created. The Meet in India Conclave 2025, which took place in Jaipur from May 4 to 6, was a crucial forum for advancing India’s MICE agenda and enhancing its standing internationally in the MICE industry.

India is becoming one of the most popular medical and wellness tourism destinations in the world thanks to its excellent healthcare and reasonably priced treatments. Offering top-notch tertiary care, including heart surgery, knee transplants, cosmetic procedures, and dental treatment, gives India a competitive edge. India skilfully combines Ayush systems (old Indian medicine) with modern healthcare. Approximately 252% more foreign visitors travelled to India for medical reasons in 2024 (6,44,387) than in 2020. The Indian government established E-Medical and E-Ayush visas to make travel for medical and wellness purposes easier. Travellers from 171 countries can use this feature. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism has worked with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry’s Service Export Promotion Council to promote medical tourism via its portal.

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