New Delhi: First, the good news. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her interim budget on Thursday that the government will focus on developing new tourist destinations in India, promoting domestic tourism and promoting spiritual tourism.
Now, the bad news.The Ministry of Tourism is simply INR3 billion to promote India abroad in the 'Incredible India' campaign. The long-running award-winning campaign, under the subhead of Overseas Promotion and Publicity and Market Development Support, was left in limbo this year as the ministry cut its budget allocation by 97% from last year. INR10 billion.
Tourism promotion is on the decline. Last year's budget made shocking cuts to overseas tourism promotion.The ministry just INR$89 million from the amount allocated for 2021-22. INR524 million. Expenditures in FY23 will further decrease INR158.9 billion, with only a slight increase in FY24. INR10 billion.
Meanwhile, the ministry, headed by Gangapuram Kishan Reddy, has lowered its budget estimates from last year's budget. INRFrom 240 billion yen INR2,080.03 million in FY2015, which is still an increase of 22% from the previous year. INRThe actual amount spent was $1.692 billion. Two-thirds or more of the 2025 allocation, or INR175 billion has been set aside for the Swadeshi darshan scheme. The scheme, established in 2014-2015, provides financial assistance to state governments to develop tourism infrastructure.
It has also completely removed the subheading for the Champion Service Sector Scheme, which will be established in 2023. INRLast year, $196 million was set aside. This year, the Ministry of Tourism's Prashad Darshan scheme has been allocated the same amount as last year. INR240 million.
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end INR3 billion was “unbelievable”, he said, adding that it was clear that the Indian government was not promoting India abroad. “This is equal to zero. No country has ever had this figure so low.” We are keen to understand how to utilize it,” he said.
“To get people to come to our country, we have to promote ourselves as an interesting tourist destination. Otherwise, countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand will continue to benefit. “This is a great opportunity for us. Before COVID-19, inbound tourism generated 10 million visitors and $30 billion in revenue. It has not been broken yet,” Deva added.
Similarly, Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Travel Agents (IATO), told the Mint that many tour operators have completely removed India from their travel brochures as overseas offices promoting India abroad are closed. he said.
“Just INRWith $3 billion earmarked for overseas promotion, the tourism industry forgets about governments spending money overseas and running FAM (well known) tours to attract foreign travel agents. Should. The only thing worth celebrating this year is that the government has allocated some funds. “We have provided a loan to the state to improve the monument and the surrounding area, which could lead to an increase in tourism,” he said.
The Finance Minister said the successful holding of G20 meetings in 60 locations showcased India's diversity to a global audience. This economic strength makes the country an attractive destination for business and conference tourism. “Now our middle class also wants to travel and explore. Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has huge opportunities for local entrepreneurship. Connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities projects will be taken up in our project, which will also help in job creation,'' she said.
A travel expert said it is good that the country is focusing on domestic tourism and can consider Ghati Shakti and Swadesh Darshan schemes to enhance development of new destinations. “It is good to focus on domestic tourism, including in Lakshadweep. However, its entire beauty and strength is very fragile and development must not harm the ecosystem. International aspects , I feel it still needs a lot of promotion and marketing, it won't last long if you ignore it completely. [interest]” added Bezbaruah MP, secretary general of Hotels Association of India and former tourism secretary.
Here is a comprehensive three-minute summary of what Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her budget speech: Click to download!
