Following the success in organising G20 meetings in 60 locations, which presented the country’s diversity to the global audience, the government is now going whole hog to promote tourism.
The finance minister said projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up “on our islands, including Lakshadweep” to address the “emerging fervour” for domestic tourism.
She said states will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at the global scale. A framework for rating of the centres based on the quality of facilities and services will also be established. Further, long-term interest-free loans will be provided to states for financing such development on a matching basis.
Shamsher Dewan, senior vice president and group head, corporate ratings, Icra, said that the government’s continued thrust on the tourism sector and the structural measures announced augur well for the domestic hotel demand.
“Some of the key budgetary proposals that could support demand include the holistic development of tourist destinations in India under ‘Challenged Based Destination Development’, a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan, promotion of sustainable and responsible tourist destinations under Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, and exploring eco-tourism opportunities through Amrit Darohar,” he said.
The Goa tourism ministry hailed the announcement, saying that the FM has “acknowledged that tourism is a main growth engine of the economy”.