New Tourism Scheme Announcement

The Centre plans to unveil a new tourism scheme in April, focusing on developing 36 destinations over four years across various states.

• The scheme aligns with the budget announcement of developing 50 tourism destinations in collaboration with states.

Objective and Importance

Destination management is identified as the missing element in Indian tourism. The expansion of new and existing destinations is essential due to increased demand outpacing supply. The rising costs of traveling domestically further emphasize this need.

• Prime Minister Modi advocates for opening new destinations and democratizing travel.
• The initiative may be akin to the 'Great Indian Destination Management Challenge'.

Implementation and Structure

Plans include a four-year program for states to develop 36 destinations with annual goals, akin to garbage or traffic management systems.

• Provisions for a destination management organization exist under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Challenge-Based Destination Development schemes.
• States could either enhance existing destinations or propose new ones at their expense.
• A live feedback mechanism through dashboards will be implemented, rewarding high-performing states.

Guidelines and Evaluation

The tourism ministry is drafting guidelines for the 50 destinations to be developed in state partnerships.

• Key infrastructure land must be provided by states.
• Hotels in these destinations to be included in the harmonized master list of infrastructure.
• Destinations will be evaluated based on connectivity, development potential, job creation capacity, and private sector investment potential.
• States must demonstrate ease of doing business and incentives in their proposals.

Challenges and Governance

The initiative addresses the lack of destination-level governance, aiming to improve destination management and ensure traveler satisfaction without impacting local communities adversely.

• Successful global destinations benefit from government-industry partnerships and destination marketing organizations.