India, a land of diverse cultures, natural beauty, and historical treasures, has always been a magnet for travelers. Recognizing the immense potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth, employment, and cultural exchange, the Indian government has launched several travel yojanas (schemes) aimed at boosting tourism, improving travel infrastructure, and ensuring accessibility for all. These initiatives cater to both domestic and international travelers, making India a more attractive and accessible destination.
1. Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched in 2014-15, is one of the flagship programs of the Ministry of Tourism. It focuses on developing thematic circuits across the country to promote integrated tourism.
Key Features:
- Development of 15 thematic circuits, including Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, and Heritage Circuit.
- Infrastructure development for better connectivity and tourist amenities.
- Promoting lesser-known destinations to ease the pressure on popular tourist hotspots.
Impact:
The scheme has enhanced the appeal of lesser-explored regions, ensuring balanced tourism growth while creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
2. PRASHAD Scheme
The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, launched in 2015, focuses on developing pilgrimage and spiritual tourism in India.
Key Features:
- Holistic development of pilgrimage and heritage sites.
- Enhancing visitor experience through better amenities, lighting, signages, and cultural hubs.
- Promoting sustainable tourism practices to protect the sanctity of heritage sites.
Impact:
The scheme has revitalized key pilgrimage destinations like Varanasi, Ajmer, and Amritsar, boosting religious tourism and improving the experience for devotees and visitors.
3. Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
The Dekho Apna Desh Initiative encourages Indians to explore their own country. Launched during the pandemic, the scheme aims to revive domestic tourism by showcasing the diverse experiences India has to offer.
Key Features:
- Promotes destinations through webinars, campaigns, and digital platforms.
- Offers incentives to travelers exploring lesser-known destinations.
- Collaborates with travel agencies to provide affordable packages for domestic tourists.
Impact:
The campaign has increased awareness of offbeat destinations, fostering a deeper connection between citizens and their cultural heritage.
4. UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)
The UDAN Scheme, launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, focuses on improving regional air connectivity. By making air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen, it has significantly boosted tourism in remote regions.
Key Features:
- Subsidized airfare for regional flights.
- Development of regional airports in underserved areas.
- Strengthening connectivity to popular tourist destinations.
Impact:
The UDAN Scheme has enabled better access to remote tourist locations, fostering tourism in regions like the Northeast, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
5. Incredible India 2.0 Campaign
The Incredible India 2.0 Campaign reimagines India’s global tourism image. With a modern approach to branding and marketing, it aims to attract international tourists and position India as a must-visit destination.
Key Features:
- Highlighting niche tourism segments like adventure tourism, wellness tourism, and eco-tourism.
- Leveraging social media and digital platforms to target global audiences.
- Partnerships with international travel platforms and influencers to promote Indian destinations.
Impact:
The campaign has contributed to a rise in international tourist arrivals, showcasing India as a dynamic and multifaceted travel destination.
6. Bharat Gaurav Trains
The Bharat Gaurav Trains scheme, launched by Indian Railways in 2021, is a tourism-focused initiative that provides special trains for exploring India’s rich cultural heritage.
Key Features:
- Special themed trains connecting pilgrimage and heritage sites.
- Affordable travel packages, including food and lodging.
- Comfortable coaches with modern amenities for a pleasant travel experience.
Impact:
The scheme has made cultural and pilgrimage tourism more accessible, attracting tourists from across the country and abroad.
7. Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
The HRIDAY Scheme, launched in 2015, is focused on preserving and revitalizing heritage cities. It aligns heritage conservation with tourism development.
Key Features:
- Development of heritage sites in cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Ajmer.
- Improved urban infrastructure for better tourist experiences.
- Integration of heritage conservation with local economic development.
Impact:
The scheme has not only preserved India’s cultural legacy but also boosted tourism in historically significant cities.
8. E-Visa Facility
To make India more tourist-friendly, the government introduced the e-Visa facility for international travelers, simplifying the visa application process.
Key Features:
- Available for citizens of over 150 countries.
- Includes categories like tourist, medical, and business visas.
- Enables travelers to apply online and receive an electronic visa.
Impact:
The e-Visa facility has made India more accessible to international tourists, leading to a steady increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
9. Adventure Tourism Initiatives
Recognizing the growing demand for adventure tourism, the government has supported activities like trekking, paragliding, and scuba diving through targeted initiatives.
Key Features:
- Development of infrastructure for adventure sports in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Goa.
- Certification programs for safety and quality assurance.
- Collaborations with private operators to enhance experiences.
Impact:
Adventure tourism has emerged as a significant segment, attracting young and thrill-seeking travelers to India’s varied landscapes.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the success of these travel yojanas, challenges like insufficient infrastructure, overcrowding at popular destinations, and environmental sustainability remain. To address these issues, the government plans to:
- Invest in sustainable tourism practices.
- Promote eco-tourism and responsible travel.
- Strengthen public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and services.
Conclusion
India’s travel yojanas reflect the government’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a tool for economic growth and cultural preservation. From enhancing connectivity through the UDAN Scheme to promoting heritage through HRIDAY and Bharat Gaurav Trains, these initiatives ensure a holistic approach to tourism development. By addressing existing challenges and fostering innovative strategies, these schemes hold the potential to position India as a global leader in travel and tourism.
