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India's Tourism Push: E-Visas for 171 Nations Amid Major Infrastructure Funding

India is rolling out the welcome mat for global tourists by offering e-visas to nationals from 171 different countries. The government is also backing this up with serious investment, sanctioning dozens of new tourism infrastructure projects. These initiatives are part of a revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme focused on sustainable destination development. All of this information is being promoted worldwide through the Incredible India digital portal.

Key Points: Shekhawat Details E-Visa for 171 Nations and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Funding

  • E-visa facility available to tourists from 171 countries through 31 airports and 6 seaports
  • 53 projects worth Rs 2,208 crore sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme
  • 36 projects worth Rs 648 crore approved under Challenge-Based Destination Development
  • Ministry promotes destinations via the Incredible India Digital Portal and Content Hub
2 min read

Tourists from 171 nations eligible to avail e-visa facility: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Tourism Minister Shekhawat announces e-visa access for 171 countries and details Rs 2,208 crore in Swadesh Darshan 2.0 projects to boost Indian tourism infrastructure.

"To promote tourism, a total of 53 projects for Rs 2,208.27 crore are sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"

New Delhi, Dec 18

E-visa facility under nine sub-categories is available to nationals of 171 countries for entry through 31 designated international airports and six major seaports, the Parliament was informed on Thursday.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, said that to promote tourism, a total of 53 projects for Rs 2,208.27 crore are sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0).

As many as 36 projects for Rs 648.11 crore are sanctioned under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) initiative, he said.

Under these schemes, the funds are authorised by the Ministry of Tourism for the implementation of projects and are utilised by the concerned State/UT Implementing Agency.

He said the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry has been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective of developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations following a tourist and destination-centric approach.

He said the Development/redevelopment of tourist destinations, including sites affected by natural disasters and the regulation of tourism in ecologically sensitive zones is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.

The Ministry of Tourism, through its central sector schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan', 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' extends financial assistance to the State Governments/ UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in the country.

The central financial assistance is being extended according to guidelines and based on proposals / detailed project reports received from the States and UT Governments.

He said information on tourist destinations in the country is promoted through the Incredible India Digital Portal.

Also, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the Incredible India Content Hub on the revamped Incredible India digital portal (www.incredibleindia.gov.in), he said.

The Incredible India Content Hub is aimed to be a comprehensive digital repository of high-quality images, films, brochures and newsletters which can be easily accessed by the industry stakeholders (travel media, tour operators, travel agents) across the globe, required to amplify Incredible India in all their marketing and promotional efforts, he said.

In addition to this, the Ministry of Tourism also promotes tourism in India through various initiatives, including events, social media and campaigns.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but the real challenge is on-ground infrastructure. Sanctioning funds is one thing, but will the states utilize them properly for tourism development? Hope the monitoring is strict. The digital content hub is a smart move for global marketing.
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Arjun K
More tourists mean more jobs for local guides, hotel staff, and artisans. This economic boost is much needed. I just hope the 'ecologically sensitive zones' part is taken seriously. We don't want another hill station turning into a traffic jam.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to India often for work, the e-visa process has become incredibly smooth. Expanding it further and developing destinations responsibly will make India a top choice for leisure travelers too. The content hub will be a great resource for planning trips.
K
Karthik V
PRASHAD scheme for pilgrimage sites is very important. Our spiritual tourism has huge potential. Along with foreign tourists, we must ensure facilities for our own citizens visiting these sites are also improved. The balance is key.
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Nikhil C
While the numbers and schemes sound impressive, I have a respectful criticism. Often, such projects get delayed or the funds don't reach the intended purpose due to bureaucracy. Transparency in how each crore is spent would build more public trust. The intent is good, execution is everything.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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