In the Union Budget 2023-24 speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, termed tourism as a key sector that holds opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship and has a big potential yet untapped.
The Minister stated that promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode, with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships. For this, the Finance Minister has earmarked an allocation of INR 2400 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24.
Out of the total Rs. 2400 crores allocated to Ministry of Tourism, major portion of the outlay amounting to Rs. 1742 crore is allocated for development of tourism infrastructure and an amount of Rs. 242 crore for promotion and branding.
An outlay of Rs. 1412 crore has been allocated for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a flagship scheme of Ministry of Tourism. The Finance Minister announced that with an integrated and innovative approach, 50 tourist destinations would be developed for providing a wholesome tourism experience providing physical, digital and virtual connectivity, availability of tourist guides and tourist security. Such destinations would be developed as a complete package under the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’.
An amount of Rs. 250 crores has been allocated for the PRASHAD Scheme. The PRASHAD Scheme aims for holistic development of selected pilgrimage destinations in the country.
The Champion Service Sector Scheme has been provided an allocation of Rs. 196.22 crores. Allocation of Rs. 105 crore has been made for Human Resource Development and capacity building to meet the requirement of trained manpower in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Ministry has earmarked an allocation of Rs. 229 crore for tourism infrastructure, promotion of North-Eastern States under this year’s Budget allocation.
Sector specific skilling and entrepreneurship development will be dovetailed to achieve the objectives of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’initiative. This was launched as an appeal by the Prime Minister to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.
The Finance Minister announced that an App will be developed covering all relevant aspects of tourism. States will be encouraged to set up Unity Malls in State Capital as the most prominent tourism centres to promote One District One Product, GI products, handicrafts and products of other States.
The Union Minister of Tourism, G. Kishan Reddy expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for the continued focus placed on the development of large infrastructure, connectivity and border linkages, which will play a major role in boosting tourism in India.
The ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative of the Ministry of Tourism also got a well deserved spotlight in Union Budget speech, highlighting the importance of domestic tourism in boosting local economy.
An integrated and innovative ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ for development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in border villages has been proposed.
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