India’s Tourism Infrastructure Initiatives | 12 Jan 2026

Source: PIB

The Ministry of Tourism has reported significant progress in tourism infrastructure development, destination-based schemes, skill initiatives, and global promotion, reflecting mission-mode implementation flagship schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme. 

• Tourism Performance (2024): India recorded over 20 million international tourist arrivals, generated nearly Rs 3 lakh crore in foreign exchange earnings, and witnessed close to 3 billion domestic tourist visits, underscoring tourism’s expanding contribution to economic growth and services exports. 
  • India also received about 0.64 million foreign medical tourists, with e-Medical and e-Ayush visas available for 171 countries, strengthening India’s position as a hub for affordable tertiary healthcare and AYUSH-based wellness services. 
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0: The Swadesh Darshan Scheme (2014–15) was launched to develop thematic tourism circuits, significantly strengthening tourism infrastructure across States. 
  • Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (2023) is a revamped, destination-centric tourism mission focused on sustainable and responsible development, aligned with Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, integrating infrastructure, services, skills, destination management, and policy reforms. 
  • Swadesh Darshan 2.0 also includes sub-schemes such as the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) and PM–Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA). 
  • CBDD:   It follows a competitive, outcome-based approach to improve the entire tourism value chain. The scheme covers themes such as Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Vibrant Villages, and Ecotourism/Amrit Dharohar Sites. 
  • PM-JUGA: It aimed at improving tribal livelihoods through tourism, promoting tribal homestays, cultural tourism, and community participation. 
• PRASHAD Scheme: Provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories for the integrated development of tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations. 
• MICE Tourism Push: India launched a National Strategy and Roadmap for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) along with the ‘Meet in India’ sub-brand to position India as a global conference and exhibition hub.  
  • A Digital MICE Catalogue covering 60+ cities, including G20 host cities. The Meet in India Conclave 2025 (Jaipur) further strengthened India’s global visibility in the MICE sector.