Lok Sabha Question No. 5775 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-30
Subject: Schemes for Promotion of Rural and Religious Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava, Shri Bhajan Lal Jatav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†5775

## LOK SABHA ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026

## SCHEMES FOR PROMOTION OF RURAL AND RELIGIOUS TOURISM

†5775. SHRI BHAJAN LAL JATAV:

SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)   the major schemes implemented by the Government to promote tourism in the country during the last three years and the current year;
- (b)   the names of the States/UTs that have formulated new tourism policies to develop tourist destinations particularly in backward and rural areas to attract foreign tourists and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  providing  financial  assistance  to  the States/UTs for the development of infrastructure of tourist places;
- (d)   whether  any  special  programme  is  being  run  to  promote  rural  and religious tourism; and
- (e)   if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM           (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): 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  and  amenities    across  the  country  at  tourist  destinations including  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, followings efforts have also been taken as under:

- (i) The Ministry of Tourism promotes various tourist destinations and products including rural and religious tourism holistically 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.
- (ii) Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for  Development  of  Rural  Tourism  in  India  -  An  initiative  towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. The strategy document focuses on the following key pillars:
- (a) Model policies and best practices for rural tourism
- (b) Digital technologies and platforms for rural tourism
- (c) Developing clusters for rural tourism
- (d) Marketing support for rural tourism
- (e) Capacity building of stakeholders
- (f) Governance and institutional framework

The National Strategy and Roadmap has been shared with State/UT Governments.

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