Tourism Breaking News
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her record eighth Union Budget, has announced a major push for the tourism sector, focusing on infrastructure, employment, and connectivity. Here are the key highlights:
🔹 ₹1.5 Lakh Crore for Tourism & Infrastructure – Interest-free loans for states to support capital expenditure and reforms in tourism development.
🔹 Top 50 Tourist Destinations to be Upgraded – Developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode, with land provision by state governments. Hotels in these areas will be included in the Infrastructure Harmonious Master List framework for better funding.
🔹 Employment & Skill Development in Hospitality – Intensive training programmes for youth in Institutes of Hospitality Management, along with MUDRA loans to support homestay businesses.
🔹 Boost to Regional Connectivity – The UDAN scheme will expand to 120 new destinations, improving access to remote and hilly regions, including helipads and smaller airports.
🔹 Simplified E-Visa & Incentives for Tourism Growth – Visa fee waivers for select tourists and performance-linked incentives for states to enhance cleanliness, marketing, and destination management.
🔹 Spiritual & Medical Tourism Focus – Special emphasis on Buddhist circuit destinations and “Heal in India” initiative to promote medical tourism through private sector partnerships and easier visa norms.
🔹 Greenfield Airport for Bihar – A new airport will be developed to meet future demands, alongside expansions at Patna and a brownfield airport project.
