The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In her presentation of the Interim Budget 2024-25, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasized the importance of developing tourist centers to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
The Finance Minister announced plans to encourage states to undertake the comprehensive development of iconic tourist centers, with an emphasis on branding and marketing them on a global scale. To facilitate this development, long-term interest-free loans will be provided to states on a matching basis. Furthermore, she stated that a framework for rating these centers based on the quality of facilities and services will be established, aiming to promote their comprehensive development.
The budget also highlighted the growing aspiration of India’s middle class to travel and explore, including spiritual tourism, which presents significant opportunities for local entrepreneurship. In response to the increasing interest in domestic tourism, the Finance Minister announced that projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be undertaken on various islands, including Lakshadweep. These initiatives are expected to generate employment and cater to the rising demand for domestic travel.
Additionally, the Finance Minister noted the global recognition of India’s diversity and its appeal to international audiences. She cited the successful organization of G20 meetings in sixty locations across India as an example of showcasing the country’s diversity. This success, coupled with India’s economic strength, positions the nation as an attractive destination for both business and conference tourism.