The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the formulation of national policies and programs and for the co-ordination of activities of various Central Government Agencies, State Governments/UTs and the Private Sector for the development and promotion of tourism in the country. Major functions of the Ministry of Tourism are:

i.          All policy matters

ii.         Planning

iii.        Co-ordination with other Ministries, Departments, State/Union Territory Administrations

iv.        Regulation

v.         Infrastructure & Product Development

vi.        Research, Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation

vii.       International Co-operation and External Assistance

viii.      Legislation and Parliamentary Work

ix.        Overall Review of the Functioning of the Field Offices

x.         Marketing & Promotion Work

The Ministry of Tourism promotes the tourism destinations and tourism products of the country in a holistic manner both within the country and overseas markets. Promotions are also undertaken through the Website and Social Media platforms of the Ministry. The tourist destinations in the country are also amplified through the different promotional materials, films and other collaterals developed by the Ministry. Ministry of Tourism also participates in travel fairs/exhibitions held in overseas markets to showcase India’s tourism destinations and products. In addition, Ministry of Tourism releases media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas and within the country under the “Incredible India” brand – line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country.

The Ministry of Tourism launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of theme-based tourist circuits. A total of 76 projects have been sanctioned. The Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a destination & tourism-centric approach. In line with the scheme guidelines, the respective State/UT prepares State Perspective Plan and the Ministry of Tourism selects destination for development accordingly. The Ministry has notified 57 destinations in the country for development under SD2.0. The details of the projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan 1.0 Scheme and the destinations notified under SD2.0 Scheme are at Annexure-I.

The Ministry of Tourism launched National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations. The scheme aimed at creation of pilgrimage/spiritual tourism infrastructure development at the identified destinations. A total of 46 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme. The details of projects sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme is given at Annexure-II.

The reply was given by Union Minister of Tourism Shri G.K Reddy in Lok Sabha today.