“States will be
encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres,
branding and marketing them at global scale,” said Sitharaman.
“A framework for rating of the centres based on
quality of facilities and services will be established. Long-term interest free
loans will be provided to States for financing such development on a matching
basis,” she added.
FM Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that the G20 Summit
organised by India in 2023, showcased India’s tourism potential in about sixty
places.
“Tourism, including
spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship,”
she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited
Lakshadweep Island and called upon enhanced development on the island in
addition to creating futuristic infrastructure and creating opportunities for
better healthcare, faster internet and drinking water.
The government has allocated Rs. 1,750.00 crores, up
over two times from the revised estimates of 2023-24, towards Integrated
Development of Tourist Circuits around specific themes (Swadesh Darshan), a
central sector scheme.