Lok Sabha Question No. 321 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Naveen Jindal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.321 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ROADMAP

## FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM

## 321. SHRI NAVEEN JINDAL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  progress  made  in  implementing  the  "National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India", particularly concerning the creation of homestay guidelines and the involvement of local tribal communities;
- (b) the details of the measures taken/being taken to promote "Green and  Eco  Tourism"  in  ecologically  sensitive  areas,  including  the development  of  wildlife  sanctuaries,  while  ensuring  community benefit and minimal environmental impact; and
- (c) the manner in which the Government ensures/is ensuring that new tourism projects under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme adhere to strict sustainability criteria, such as waste management, waste-water recovery and the use of renewable energy source?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM        (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a)  to  (c):  Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and products, including rural tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.

With  the  aim  to  promote  tourism  in  tribal  areas,  the  Ministry  of Tourism  has  issued  guidelines  along  with  template  for  formulation  of proposal by State Governments and UT Administrations for 'Development of  Homestays  in  Tribal  Areas'  (A  sub-scheme  of  Swadesh  Darshan Scheme) under Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA). The objective of the initiative is to develop homestays in tribal areas to promote  responsible  tourism  and  enhance  livelihood  opportunities  for tribal communities. The guidelines also focus on technical upskilling and training of the Homestay owners. The said initiative includes development of 1000 homestays with support of Up to ₹5 lakh for village community requirement, Up to ₹5 lakh for construction of two new rooms for each household and Up to ₹3 lakh for renovation of existing rooms for

each household. Ministry of Tourism has formulated guidelines for 'Challenge Based Destination  Development'  as  a  sub  scheme  of  Swadesh  Darshan  2.0 Scheme  to enhance tourist experience and to transform tourist destinations as sustainable & responsible destinations. The Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through various  initiatives.  As  part  of  on-going  activities;  promotion  of  Rural homestays and Rural Tourism is also taken up. The Ministry of Tourism also  regularly  promotes  various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of rural tourism through its website and social media promotions. In  order  to  provide  impetus  for  development  of  Green  and  Eco Tourism in the country, Ministry of Tourism formulated National Strategies for Eco Tourism and Sustainable Tourism and initiated Travel for LiFE programme to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage  the  tourists  and  tourism  businesses  to  adopt  sustainable tourism practices.

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