The Ministry of Tourism approves 40 Projects Worth ₹3295.76 Crore for Developing Lesser-Known Tourism Sites

In a bid to give a fillip to India’s tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism has recently cleared 40 projects for incomplete tourist circuits amounting to ₹3295.76 crore in 23 states. This policy was declared on December 4, 2024, to reduce tourist pressure on infra-loaded regions and distribute it to new promising locations so that the distribution of tourist traffic is balanced.

This strategic initiative is aimed at improving the stimulating development of lesser-known and less developed areas as tourist destinations, building internal communications related to tourism and innovation, and increasing the cultural value of such tourism. 

By diverting tourist attention from high-traffic areas, the project seeks to:

• Ease the burden off famous attractions.
• Develop local economies in areas that have not fully been extensively explored.
• Promote sustainable further development of tourism.

According to the Ministry’s focus on community-based tourism, the effort is meant to establish the voice of the people as well as protect cultural resources. 

Involvement of the community also makes the tour natural for tourists while at the same time supporting the development of the economy.

Since it is coming from the government’s coffers, it will make the necessary investors join in the growth of the economy. It is believed that this cooperation will strengthen the availability of public facilities and expand the field of tourist interest. 

Key benefits include:

Employment opportunities in the sectors related to tourism.

The need to establish improved communication networks, transport networks like roads, better accommodation facilities for both local and international visitors and improved physical facilities like water and electricity.

There is the need to encourage the regional economy to grow based on increased spending by visitors.

The third important aspect is the application of high technologies, as the project presupposes its integration into day-to-day practices. 

The Ministry itself promotes the state governments to incorporate digital applications into administrative processes, tourists’ distribution and services, making tourism less harmful to the environment and more effective.

Sustainable Tourism: A Core Focus

This project principle is sustainability. Governments are advised to embrace the best practices in the conservation of the natural and historical-cultural values. 

Sustainable tourism planning ensures:

Conservation of biodiversity.

Cultural conservation of sites that are archeological.

Mitigation of the negative impacts of tourism on the environment.

This way, these projects are planned to implement long-term values and, at the same time, preserve the ecological systems of those regions.

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Background of the Initiative

The projects come under the SASCI Scheme, which is under the Finance Ministry of India. Intended to offer subsidized credits on an interest-free basis for 50 years, this scheme aims to establish world-class tourist hubs at the selected sites.

The operational guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism emphasize comprehensive development, branding, and marketing of these destinations. 

By infusing substantial capital investment, the initiative targets:

• Rapid infrastructure development.
• Branding Indian destinations on a global scale.
• Creating employment opportunities through sustainable tourism.