India Enhances Tourism Infrastructure with Key Initiatives to Boost Global Appeal

Published on December 18, 2025

India is taking bold steps to transform its tourism landscape, launching a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the country’s appeal as a global travel destination. The Indian government’s efforts, led by the Ministry of Tourism, are aimed at developing sustainable tourism infrastructure, promoting regional attractions, and fostering a stronger connection with both domestic and international tourists.

Revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to Strengthen Tourism Infrastructure

One of the most significant moves by the Indian government is the launch of the revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme, now known as Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This initiative, with an investment of ₹2,208.27 Crore, seeks to develop 53 tourism destinations across the country. The objective is to enhance both the infrastructure and the tourist experience at these sites, ensuring that they are not only beautiful but also sustainable and accessible for future generations. These projects have been approved by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with state governments and union territories, marking a significant shift towards sustainable tourism development.

In addition to Swadesh Darshan 2.0, another key programme, the Challenge Based Destination Development scheme, has been introduced to further strengthen the country’s tourism infrastructure. This programme focuses on 36 projects worth ₹648.11 crore, which will be managed by the state and union territory agencies. These projects aim to enhance the infrastructure of lesser-known tourist destinations, providing them with the necessary facilities to attract more visitors while preserving their unique cultural and natural heritage.

Incredible India Digital Hub to Promote Global Tourism

India’s Ministry of Tourism is also working to improve the global visibility of the country as a top travel destination. A major step in this direction is the launch of the Incredible India Content Hub, accessible through the revamped Incredible India digital portal. This platform serves as a comprehensive resource for travel media, tour operators, and travel agents, offering high-quality promotional materials such as images, films, and brochures. These resources are aimed at assisting the travel industry in marketing India to a global audience, highlighting its diverse cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and natural beauty.

The initiative is designed to support both domestic and international marketing efforts, ensuring that tourists around the world are aware of the myriad travel opportunities available in India. The portal serves as a one-stop shop for anyone looking to promote Indian tourism, making it easier for stakeholders to access and distribute promotional content.

Capacity Building and Certification to Enhance Service Standards

To further elevate the Indian tourism experience, the government is focusing on improving the skills of the workforce within the hospitality and tourism sector. A major initiative under this effort is the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme, which offers training and certification for tourism service providers. This scheme is expected to raise the standards of service quality across India, ensuring that tourists have a seamless and enjoyable experience when visiting the country.

Alongside CBSP, the Ministry of Tourism has also introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Programme. This online learning initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified tourist facilitators. The IITF certification will enhance the experience of visitors by ensuring that they have access to well-trained guides who can offer them valuable insights into India’s rich history, culture, and local traditions.

Simplifying Travel with E-Visa and Regional Connectivity

India’s government is also making strides to simplify travel for international tourists. The introduction of the e-visa facility has been a game-changer for the sector. Citizens from 171 countries can now apply for an e-visa through an entirely online process, making it easier for international tourists to visit India. The e-visa is available at 31 international airports and six major seaports, further streamlining the entry process for visitors.

To complement this initiative, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been working on improving air connectivity across the country. Through the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-Udan), the government aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible, particularly to smaller, less-explored destinations. This initiative has identified 53 tourism routes that will receive viability gap funding to improve regional connectivity, ensuring that tourists can reach both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations across India with ease.

Promoting Private Investment in Tourism Infrastructure

In addition to government-led initiatives, India is also focusing on encouraging private sector investment in tourism infrastructure. The government has introduced new guidelines that prioritize the development of three-star or higher hotels in less-explored regions, as well as other large infrastructure projects like cable cars and exhibition centres. By classifying these as priority areas, the government aims to create a conducive environment for private investors, ensuring that tourism infrastructure is both world-class and evenly distributed across the country.

These measures are designed to create an ecosystem where private investments in tourism infrastructure can thrive, ultimately boosting the country’s global appeal and encouraging more international tourists to visit.

A Future of Sustainable and Accessible Tourism

With these initiatives in place, India is poised to become an even more appealing destination for global travellers. The government’s emphasis on sustainable tourism development, combined with efforts to improve infrastructure and streamline the travel process, will ensure that India remains a popular destination for tourists seeking diverse, enriching experiences.

As these projects progress, they will not only benefit the tourism industry but will also boost local economies, create jobs, and promote cultural exchange. The Ministry of Tourism’s collaborative approach, which involves close collaboration with state governments, private sector stakeholders, and international partners, promises to transform India into a global tourism powerhouse in the coming years.

India’s tourism industry is undoubtedly on the verge of a major transformation, fuelled by government initiatives that promote sustainable development, improve infrastructure, and foster international collaboration. These efforts are expected to shape the future of Indian tourism, making the country a top destination for international visitors.