NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog has released a report titled ‘Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways’ in collaboration with IAMAI, outlining a strategic roadmap to enhance the role of homestays and BnBs in India's tourism sector. The report emphasizes the importance of regulatory frameworks, cultural immersion, and local entrepreneurship, while calling for
Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism has launched various schemes, including Swadesh Darshan and its revamped version Swadesh Darshan 2.0, to develop tourism infrastructure and create job opportunities in India. These initiatives have sanctioned numerous projects aimed at sustainable tourism and local community empowerment. A third-party assessment indicated that these schemes
Tourism
In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Ministry of Tourism has allocated 4.3% of its total scheme outlay to support tribal communities through the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This includes ₹88 crores for the Tribal Area Sub Plan and ₹15 crores for the PM-JUGA initiative aimed at enhancing tourism and livelihoods
Homestay
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the 'One India, One Registration' initiative under the NIDHI portal to classify homestay facilities across India, including rural and tribal areas. Homestays are categorized into Gold and Silver based on guidelines, with no financial assistance from the Ministry. The initiative aims to
Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism reported on the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India over the past three years, showing a significant increase from 64.37 lakh in 2022 to a provisional 32.41 lakh in 2025 (Jan-April). Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism also rose from ₹1,69,917 crore in
Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism has launched guidelines for the development of homestays in tribal areas under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA). This initiative aims to promote responsible tourism and enhance livelihood opportunities for tribal communities, while also providing technical training for homestay owners. Union Minister for Tourism
Incredible India
The Ministry of Tourism has launched a revamped Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) to enhance travel experiences by showcasing India's cultural heritage and attractions. The platform utilizes AI for personalized visitor experiences and has seen significant engagement, with 26 lakh visitors recorded by July 2025. Domestic tourist visits
Coal Mines
The Ministry of Coal in India is promoting the transformation of closed coal mines into tourist destinations and community facilities, following successful models from countries like Germany and Australia. Initiatives include eco-parks, mine tourism sites, and pisciculture projects. The new guidelines for mine closure emphasize sustainable practices, community engagement, and
e-Visa
The Indian government has introduced an e-Visa facility to liberalize and simplify the visa regime for foreign travelers. Initially launched in 2014 for 43 countries, it now serves 172 countries through 32 airports and 6 seaports. The e-Visa is available in 13 categories, allowing hassle-free entry for tourism, business, and
Tourism
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the RCS-UDAN scheme to enhance regional air connectivity, operationalizing 53 tourism routes connecting the North Eastern Region (NER) and Southern India. Although direct flights between these regions are limited, indirect connections exist. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has facilitated cultural exchange
Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism has reported significant investments in the tourism and hospitality sector, including both bank debts and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). The contribution of tourism to GDP and employment has shown a positive trend, with a notable increase in FDI in recent years. Various projects under the Swadesh
Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism is providing financial assistance to approved tourism service providers (TSPs) for promoting and marketing Indian tourism in overseas markets under the Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme. The scheme is currently under review to meet industry needs. The Ministry has participated in various international travel trade events