New Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken multiple steps to promote destination-based development in India, focusing on upgrading tourism infrastructure and enhancing visitor experiences. Key initiatives include:
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0): The revamped version of the Swadesh Darshan scheme focuses on sustainable development of tourism destinations. So far, 53 projects worth ₹2,208.31 crore have been sanctioned under this scheme.
Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD): An initiative under Swadesh Darshan, aimed at promoting infrastructure development in tourism destinations, with 38 projects sanctioned worth ₹697.94 crore.
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): This scheme focuses on enhancing pilgrimage and spiritual tourism, with 54 projects sanctioned worth ₹1,726.74 crore.
These projects are approved based on proposals submitted by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, in line with scheme guidelines, budget availability, and inter-se priority.
Components and Focus Areas of the Projects
The projects under SD2.0, CBDD, and PRASHAD are designed to enhance both tourist experiences and local development, with a focus on:
- Tourist facilitation centres and interpretation centres
- Tourism activities and experiences
- Health, sanitation, and safety measures
- Connectivity improvements and parking facilities
- General site development and soft interventions
- Digital interventions and technology-driven enhancements
The illustrative list of components under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to unlock the tourism potential of destinations and improve facilities for visitors.
Regional Balance and Local Benefits
Projects are sanctioned across India while maintaining regional balance. Since these assets are owned, operated, and managed by State Governments/UT Administrations, the Ministry has advised them to capture relevant data including:
- Tourist footfall
- Employment generated
- Revenue generated
- Other key performance indicators
The schemes are expected to create local employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, and boost tourism footfall in the sanctioned destinations.
Promotion and Awareness Activities
In addition to infrastructure development, the Ministry continues to actively promote India’s tourism destinations and products through:
- Its official website
- Social media campaigns
- Events and exhibitions
This information was provided by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
