India emerges as a global tourism hub with stronger destination infrastructure: Centre
New Delhi, July 31
India's tourism sector has showcased remarkable growth, with stronger destination infrastructure, the government said on Friday, adding that 75 Swadesh Darshan projects have been completed out of sanctioned 76 projects.
India received nearly $31.7 billion in international tourism receipts in 2025, an official statement said, outlining government initiatives to boost momentum.
India is steadily emerging as a major tourism hub, backed by its civilisational heritage, natural diversity, spiritual appeal and expanding visitor economy.
With stronger destination infrastructure, improved connectivity, digital platforms, travel facilitation and global promotion, the sector is moving towards higher-value tourism experiences, the statement added.
Swadesh Darshan has sanctioned 76 projects with an investment of over Rs 5,295.24 crore across 14 thematic tourist circuits. The programme has developed infrastructure across the Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Himalayan, North East, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual, Tribal and other thematic circuits.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 adopts a destination-centric approach, focusing on sustainable and experience-based tourism. Nearly 53 projects, worth Rs 2,207.08 crore, have been sanctioned to develop destinations through better planning, infrastructure and visitor experience.
Under the PRASHAD scheme, 54 projects worth over Rs 1,726.24 crore have been sanctioned to improve infrastructure at major pilgrimage and heritage destinations, enhancing facilities for pilgrims while preserving their cultural and spiritual significance.
Expansion of the national highway network, modernisation of railway stations, introduction of Vande Bharat trains, enhanced regional air connectivity through UDAN, airport development, better last-mile connectivity, e-buses and improved public amenities are making tourist destinations more accessible and reducing travel time.
The next phase of regional connectivity, Viksit UDAN, with an outlay of over Rs 28,840 crore, is expected to further strengthen air travel in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and remote regions, including through the development of over 100 new aerodromes and 200 helipads.
Domestic tourist visits reached 2.9 billion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while international tourist arrivals touched 2.02 crore in 2025. The sector contributed Rs 15.73 lakh crore to GDP in FY24, accounting for 5.22 per cent of the economy. Nearly 84.6 million jobs were supported by tourism and hospitality in 2023-24.
— IANS
Reader Comments
2.9 billion domestic visits is massive! 🇮🇳 We have such diverse landscapes from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and with better infrastructure, more people can explore their own country. I just hope the local communities benefit from this tourism boom and small businesses get their fair share.
It's heartening to see India's tourism sector bouncing back so strongly after the pandemic. The PRASHAD scheme's focus on improving pilgrimage infrastructure while preserving cultural significance is a thoughtful approach. As someone who visits India often for work, I can see the improvements in airport facilities and rail connectivity firsthand. Visit India when you can!
84.6 million jobs supported is absolutely staggering! That's why tourism needs this kind of policy attention. The focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through UDAN is particularly smart — spreading the benefits beyond metros. My trip to Madurai last year was so easy thanks to the regional flight connectivity.
The numbers are impressive, but I worry about overtourism at iconic destinations. The Taj Mahal and Jaipur are already overwhelmed during peak season. I hope the "higher-value tourism experiences" mentioned in the statement means they're prioritising quality over quantity — better visitor management, sustainability, and smaller group experiences.
Good initiative overall, but why waste ₹5,000+ crore on Swadesh Darshan projects when basic infrastructure in many places is still lagging? My hometown still doesn't have proper roads to tourist sites. The government must ensure funds are properly utilised on-ground and not just in press releases. Also, cleanliness and safety need way more attention for foreign tourists.