The Ministry of Tourism employs a comprehensive approach to promote the country’s tourism destinations and products, both domestically and in overseas markets. Promotion activities encompass the use of the ministry’s website and social media platforms, as well as various promotional materials and films. Additionally, the ministry participates in international travel fairs and exhibitions to showcase India’s tourism offerings. It also runs media campaigns under the “Incredible India” brand to highlight different tourist destinations and products.
One of the notable initiatives taken up my the ministry is the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, designed to develop theme-based tourist circuits. With 76 projects sanctioned, the ministry has now evolved this program into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism development. As per the plan, the states and union territories create State Perspective Plans, and destinations are selected accordingly by the Ministry of Tourism. A total of 57 destinations have been identified for development under SD2.0. (see table below)
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism launched the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme to enhance identified pilgrimage destinations. This initiative aims to develop infrastructure and promote spiritual tourism at different pilgrimage locations. So far, 46 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme.
Cover Photo by Amit Jain on Unsplash
