Mumbai: Government programmes have played a decisive role in shaping India’s tourism trajectory, with flagship schemes such as Dekho Apna Desh, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD credited for significantly improving infrastructure and tourist engagement in 2024–25. The India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 highlights how these initiatives have expanded accessibility, promoted lesser‑known destinations and enhanced visitor experiences, ensuring that growth is not confined to a handful of states but spread across the country.
Dekho Apna Desh, launched to encourage Indians to explore domestic destinations, has been instrumental in broadening travel choices beyond traditional hotspots. The campaign has inspired families and younger travellers from tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities to visit heritage sites, pilgrimage centres and eco‑tourism projects. More people from smaller towns are now taking trips to destinations that were previously overlooked, creating awareness and pride in exploring the country.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 has focused on developing thematic circuits, including Buddhist, coastal and desert routes. In Bihar, investment in Buddhist circuits has improved facilities at Bodh Gaya and Rajgir, attracting international pilgrims from Southeast Asia. In Gujarat, coastal circuits have promoted destinations such as Dwarka and Somnath, while desert circuits in Rajasthan have enhanced infrastructure in Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Local businesses have benefited from increased demand for accommodation, transport and handicrafts, with artisans finding new opportunities as visitors purchase their products, thereby supporting families and livelihoods.
PRASHAD, aimed at improving facilities at pilgrimage sites, has transformed destinations such as Varanasi, Ayodhya and Puri. The redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi has boosted demand for hotels, restaurants and transport services, while also increasing sales of local crafts. In Ayodhya, the construction of the Ram temple has spurred investment in hospitality and retail, creating jobs and strengthening local businesses. In Puri, improved sanitation and visitor facilities have enhanced the experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Regional examples illustrate the impact of these schemes. In the Northeast, investment in infrastructure has promoted eco‑tourism projects in Meghalaya and Nagaland, creating jobs for local communities. In Kerala, backwater destinations have benefited from improved connectivity and eco‑friendly facilities. In Himachal Pradesh, adventure tourism has thrived with better roads and regulated trekking routes. Government support has enabled homestay operators and local businesses to serve larger numbers of tourists with improved services.
Industry leaders emphasise that government intervention has been crucial in shaping India’s tourism growth. Without investment in infrastructure and promotion, many destinations would not have been able to attract visitors. These schemes have created a foundation for sustainable expansion across the sector.
The economic impact is visible across industries. Hotels and restaurants in redeveloped circuits report higher occupancy rates, while local businesses supplying food, crafts and transport have seen increased demand. Farmers providing organic produce to eco‑resorts in Kerala have reported higher incomes, while artisans in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have benefited from sales to tourists seeking souvenirs.
Challenges remain, however. Analysts caution that growth must be balanced with sustainability. Overcrowding at popular sites has raised concerns about visitor management, while environmental stress in fragile ecosystems has been noted. Tourism growth must not come at the expense of heritage and environment, and safeguards are essential to ensure that gains are not undermined.
The government has acknowledged these concerns and pledged to strengthen preservation efforts. Initiatives include eco‑friendly facilities, stricter visitor management systems and community‑based tourism projects that involve local residents in maintaining sites. The aim should not just be to increase numbers but also ensure that tourism benefits local communities while preserving cultural and natural heritage.
Looking ahead, the compendium concludes that government schemes will remain a key driver of growth in India’s travel economy. With global interest in cultural and spiritual experiences expected to rise, India is well positioned to consolidate its gains if infrastructure and policy support continue. For businesses, policymakers and communities alike, government intervention has created a foundation for sustained expansion, offering both economic opportunity and cultural enrichment.
