Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on July 23, 2024, presented the Union Budget 2024-25, marking the first full budget of the BJP-led government 3.0. A significant focus of her speech was the government's commitment to making India a top global travel destination.
To support this, the government has allocated INR 2,479 crore for the tourism sector for FY25. This is a slight increase from the INR 2,400 crore allocated in FY24.
Of the allocated INR 2,479 crore for tourism development, INR 1,750 crore will fund the development of tourist circuits under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, which focuses on creating sustainable and responsible tourism destinations based on specific themes. Besides, INR 240 crore is earmarked for the PRASAD scheme, aimed at rejuvenating pilgrimage sites. Moreover, the budget for the 'Incredible India' international marketing campaigns has been increased further from INR 3 crore this fiscal year.