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Mumbai: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has unveiled a series of ambitious steps to boost the tourism sector which includes developing 50 tourism sites, promoting medical tourism, easing travel norms as well as extending Mudra loans to the homestay business. Following the announcement, stock prices of travel companies like Thomas Cook (India) Limited and Ease Trip Planners Limited surged in the stock market.
Sitharaman in her speech said “The top 50 tourist destination sites in the country will be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode. Land for building key infrastructure will be provided by the states. Hotels in those destinations will be included in the infrastructure,” said Sitharaman. The government plans to give importance to sites associated with Lord Buddha as a part of their religious tourism initiative.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has welcomed the announcement saying it will provide a major boost for tourism. “The plan to develop the top 50 tourism destinations in partnership with state governments is a major initiative. This collaboration will not only improve infrastructure but also help spread tourism across the country, attracting more visitors and benefiting local communities,” said Pradeep Shetty, spokesperson, HRAWI. “Additionally, the inclusion of hotels in these destinations in the harmonious master list is a significant move,” he added.
Subhash Motwani, Director, Namaste Tourism, a leading company warned against the piecemeal approach and wanted a holistic view to be adopted while developing such tourist spots. “There is a tendency of overkill which has spoiled serene places like Leh, Ladakh and Mahabaleshwar. They have lost their sheen,” rued Motwani.
The Finance Minister also talked of the launch of ‘Heal in India’ initiative. Here the country will be promoted as a medical tourism destination in collaboration with the private sector. Even the visa procedures will be eased for international patients.
The government will extend Mudra loans to homestays to encourage their development.
According to Shetty, this move will generate employment and also entrepreneurship. “It will give local entrepreneurs the chance to start and grow small tourism businesses, especially in lesser-known areas. This will help create more jobs and encourage tourism in these regions,” said Shetty.
Sitharaman in her speech emphasised that the government would organise skill development programmes to train and encourage youths to enter the hospitality sector. She said it will also be included as a part of curriculum of educational institutes.
