Government Schemes & Policies Supporting Tourism in India
India’s tourism and hospitality industry is one of the largest in the world, contributing nearly 9% of GDP and generating millions of jobs. To strengthen this sector, the Government of India has rolled out several schemes, policies, and campaigns that not only boost domestic tourism but also attract foreign investment.
For CEOs, entrepreneurs, and hospitality business owners, understanding these government initiatives is crucial. They not only shape the business environment but also provide funding, subsidies, and opportunities to grow.
In this article, we explore the major tourism schemes and policies in India, their impact, and what they mean for business leaders.
Focus: Integrated development of theme-based tourism circuits (Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Heritage, Eco, Rural).
Business Relevance: Creates new travel destinations → boosts demand for hotels, resorts, transport, and local services.
Opportunity: Entrepreneurs can invest in boutique stays, eco-resorts, and travel services in these circuits.
Focus: Development of pilgrimage sites and spiritual tourism.
Business Relevance: India has 30,000+ temples and 500+ sacred destinations — this scheme enhances infrastructure.
Opportunity: Investors can tap into religious tourism with guest houses, lodges, and spiritual retreat centers.
Focus: International branding and marketing of India as a premium travel destination.
Business Relevance: Strengthens inbound tourism demand.
Opportunity: Hotel chains, luxury resorts, and travel companies benefit from higher international tourist arrivals.
Focus: Encouraging domestic tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations.
Business Relevance: Expands opportunities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Opportunity: Entrepreneurs can launch homestays, heritage hotels, and local tour businesses in emerging regions.
Focus: Public-private partnership for adopting monuments and maintaining them.
Business Relevance: Brands, hotel chains, and corporates can co-manage heritage sites.
Opportunity: Builds brand visibility while contributing to tourism development.
Focus: Simplified visa processing for travelers from 150+ countries.
Business Relevance: More tourists → higher demand for hospitality services, F&B, and transport.
Opportunity: Tech startups can create digital concierge, booking, and travel solutions.
Focus: Creating sustainable, inclusive, and tech-driven tourism growth.
Key Pillars:
Green & sustainable tourism.
Digitalization of tourism services.
Skill development in hospitality.
Global promotion of India as a tourism hub.
Business Relevance: Aligns private players with India’s Vision 2047 tourism roadmap.
Supported through dedicated AYUSH initiatives (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy).
Opportunity: Wellness resorts, yoga retreats, and medical travel agencies.
Government promoting trekking, rafting, wildlife, and desert tourism.
Opportunity: Adventure resorts, safety gear startups, and travel operators.
Policy support for world-class convention centers.
Opportunity: Event hotels, convention management companies.
Promoted under Rural Circuit of Swadesh Darshan.
Opportunity: Homestays, handicraft-linked tourism, farm stays.
For CEOs and investors, these initiatives mean:
Policy confidence: Government is committed to infrastructure development.
Lower barriers to entry: Subsidies and incentives for startups & MSMEs.
Demand creation: New destinations → new opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and services.
Global exposure: Branding campaigns like Incredible India bring international travelers.
Q1. What is the Swadesh Darshan Scheme?
It develops theme-based tourism circuits (heritage, coastal, spiritual) across India.
Q2. How does PRASHAD Scheme help entrepreneurs?
It upgrades pilgrimage sites → creating business opportunities in religious tourism.
Q3. What is the Incredible India campaign?
A global branding program promoting India’s tourism to international audiences.
Q4. Which policy supports medical tourism?
The AYUSH initiatives and India’s medical visa system encourage healthcare-based tourism.
Q5. Does the government support rural tourism?
Yes, through Rural Circuits under Swadesh Darshan, promoting village stays and cultural experiences.
India’s tourism policies are not just about promoting travel — they are strategic economic tools that create business opportunities, attract investments, and empower entrepreneurs.
For hospitality leaders, CEOs, and directors, aligning with these government schemes can unlock profitable ventures in hotels, wellness, adventure tourism, and digital hospitality.
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