New Delhi || 05-12-2024
To boost the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 Projects worth Rs. 3295.76 Crore for development of lesser-known Tourism sites in 23 States, across the country. The initiative aims to ease pressure on high-traffic sites and promote a more balanced distribution of tourists across the country.
Focusing on lesser-known destinations, the Ministry will enhance the overall tourism experience, boost local economies, and ensure sustainable growth in the tourism sector through a strategic approach to new project selection.
Government investment in the project will act as a catalyst, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. By leveraging private sector expertise and capital at destinations, the States can enhance public infrastructure, improve local amenities, and attract more tourists, ultimately boosting the regional economy and fostering long-term development.
The Ministry is also emphasizing for community-based tourism that empowers local populations and preserves cultural heritage. By integrating sustainable practices into tourism planning, State Governments will be able to ensure long-term growth while safeguarding natural and cultural resources by adopting best practices.
The Ministry of Tourism is also encouraging State Governments to integrate advanced technologies into their tourism projects. By adopting technology, States can streamline operations, optimize tourist flow, and provide sustainable, innovative solutions for growth in the sector.
Under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment Scheme of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the operational guidelines for Development of Iconic Tourist Centers to Global Scale were issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
The aim of this scheme is to infuse long term interest free loans for a period of 50 years to States to comprehensively develop iconic tourist centers in the country, branding, and marketing them at global scale. By infusing capital investment in the form of projects, the scheme further predicts growth of the local economy and creation of employment opportunities through sustainable tourism projects. The States have been given a timeline of 2 years for completing the projects.
Among the listed 23 states Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Meghalaya will get the maximum funds of nearly Rs 200 Cr each.
Odisha will get the funds for the development of Hirakud & Satkosia, Madhya Pradesh for Orchha ( A Medieval Splendour) & International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal, Karnataka for Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni, Bengaluru & development of Savadatti Yallammagudda, Belgavi and Meghalaya for MICE Infrastructure at Mawkhanu & Re-development of Umiam Lake, Shillong.
