Lok Sabha Question No. 5932 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-30
Subject: Development of Tourist Destinations in Maharashtra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sanjay Dina Patil, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5932 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA

5932.SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL:

PROF. VARSHA EKNATH GAIKWAD:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government has undertaken initiatives to identify and develop major tourist destinations in Maharashtra for promotion of tourism and attracting foreign tourists during the last five years and the current year;
- (b)   if so, the details thereof, year-wise;
- (c)   whether the Government is aware of an increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Maharashtra during the said period and if so, the details thereof, year-wise;
- (d)   whether  globally  known  heritage  sites  such  as  Ajanta  Caves  and Ellora Caves are being further promoted internationally;
- (e)   whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  steps  to  develop  coastal tourism, eco-tourism and cultural circuits in Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f)   the  details  of  measures  taken/being  taken  to  improve  tourism infrastructure, connectivity, digital promotion and visitor facilities to further boost foreign tourist inflow in the said State?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (f): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and tourism products is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments/ UT Administrations.  However,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  central sector schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan (SD)', Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), 'Challenge  Based  Destination  Development  (CBDD)'  a  sub-scheme  of Swadesh Darshan and 'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual,  Heritage Augmentation  Drive  (PRASHAD)' complements  the  efforts of State Governments/UT Administrations in their tourism infrastructure development including last-mile connectivity to destinations and amenities  across the country at tourist destinations including coastal tourism,  eco-tourism  and  cultural  circuits  in  Maharashtra  by  extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations. This financial assistance is extended, subject to availability of funds, adherence to scheme guidelines and other instructions issued from time to time, submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by the concerned State Governments / UT Administrations, etc.

In  addition  to  these,  Ministry  of  Tourism  promotes  various  tourist destinations  and  products  of  India  holistically  including  heritage  sites such as Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves etc. to position India as a preferred tourism destination in  the tourism  generating markets and  to increase India's share in the global tourism market. The objectives are met through an  integrated  marketing  and  promotional  strategy  and  a  synergized campaign in association with the Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas. The promotional activities include participation in Travel Fairs and Exhibitions; organizing Road Shows, India Evenings, Seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals;  offering  brochure  support  to  tour  operators,  global  media campaigns  and  joint  advertising/joint  promotions  with  airlines,  tour operators and other organizations etc.

## The Foreign Tourist arrivals in the State of Maharashtra during the year 2020-2024 is as under:

|   S. No. |   Year | FTV       |
|----------|--------|-----------|
|        1 |   2020 | 1,262,409 |
|        2 |   2021 | 185,643   |
|        3 |   2022 | 1,511,623 |
|        4 |   2023 | 3,387,739 |
|        5 |   2024 | 3,705,170 |

The details of projects sanctioned under Costal Tourism, in the State of Maharashtra through central sector scheme of  Swadesh Darshan is as under:

| Circuit/Sanction Year   | Name of the Project                                                                                   |   Amount Sanctioned (in ₹ Cr ore) |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Coastal Circuit 2015-16 | Development of Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit - Sagareshwar, Tarkarli, Vijaydurg (Beach & Creek), Mitbhav |                             19.06 |

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