Centre Sanctions 116 New Tourist Destinations with Rs 4,088 Crore Investment
the Centre has sanctioned the development of 116 new tourist destinations across India, with an investment of ₹4,088 crores. This move is part of the government’s larger vision to position India as a sustainable and globally competitive tourism destination. The new destinations will be developed under various schemes, including the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme, the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) initiative, and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) programme.
Of the sanctioned destinations, 34 will be developed under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, which aims to rejuvenate and promote sustainable tourism by creating theme-based circuits. This initiative has been revamped from the original Swadesh Darshan scheme, focusing on environmental sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Another 42 destinations are included under CBDD, which is designed to drive holistic development by improving tourist experiences. The remaining 40 destinations will be developed under SASCI, which is expected to elevate iconic tourist centres to global standards.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme, a flagship initiative by the Union Ministry of Tourism, has already gained significant traction by drawing attention to the potential of lesser-known regions. Its core objective is not only to boost the tourism infrastructure but also to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the creation of jobs. Moreover, through CBDD, the government intends to ensure that the development process is comprehensive, taking into account both the ecological and socio-economic aspects of tourism.
To further bolster this initiative, the Union Finance Ministry has allocated ₹3,295.76 crores for 40 projects in 23 states under the ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ scheme. The objective is to brand and market these iconic tourist centres globally, putting them on the international tourism map.
A significant addition to the government’s tourism development strategy is the initiative to promote tribal homestays. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the government plans to support the construction and renovation of 1,000 homestays, with financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh per unit. These homestays are aimed at providing an authentic cultural experience while also creating livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. The support for tribal homestays is part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, an initiative designed to uplift tribal populations through sustainable economic activities.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism is keen on improving the quality of services in the sector by offering job-oriented skill programmes across the country. These training initiatives will aim to upgrade the skills of tourism service providers, enabling them to meet the rising demands of the growing tourism sector. These programmes are designed to cater to every level of tourism services, ensuring a steady supply of skilled manpower that will make India’s tourism industry more competitive globally.
While the focus remains on infrastructural improvements, these measures also align with the broader goal of creating a sustainable, gender-neutral, and inclusive tourism ecosystem. The collaboration between the Centre and state governments is vital in making India’s tourism offerings more robust, equitable, and accessible. This combined effort will also create a model for other nations striving to achieve sustainable and responsible tourism development.
The combination of infrastructure growth, community involvement, and skill development will position India as an attractive global tourism destination, meeting both the environmental needs of the present and the expectations of future generations
