Government Schemes & Policies Supporting Tourism in India

Government Schemes & Policies Supporting Tourism in India

Introduction

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.

Key Government Schemes Supporting Tourism in India

1. Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• 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.

2. PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive)

• 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.

3. Incredible India 2.0 Campaign

• 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.

4. Dekho Apna Desh Initiative

• 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.

5. Adopt a Heritage Scheme

• 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.

6. E-Visa & Digital Initiatives

• 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.

7. National Tourism Policy 2022 (under implementation)

• 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.

Special Focus: Niche Sectors Getting Policy Push

Medical & Wellness Tourism

• Supported through dedicated AYUSH initiatives (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy).

• Opportunity: Wellness resorts, yoga retreats, and medical travel agencies.

Adventure Tourism

• Government promoting trekking, rafting, wildlife, and desert tourism.

• Opportunity: Adventure resorts, safety gear startups, and travel operators.

MICE Tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)

• Policy support for world-class convention centers.

• Opportunity: Event hotels, convention management companies.

Rural & Village Tourism

• Promoted under Rural Circuit of Swadesh Darshan.

• Opportunity: Homestays, handicraft-linked tourism, farm stays.

Impact of Government Schemes on Business Leaders

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.

FAQs on Tourism Schemes in India

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.

Conclusion

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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