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HomeBud ExpectationBudget 2023: Tourism promotion in 'mission mode' — Unity Malls, 'package' development...

Budget 2023: Tourism promotion in ‘mission mode’ — Unity Malls, ‘package’ development of 50 sites

States to set up Unity Malls with objective of promotion & sale of ‘1 district, 1 product’, GI & handicraft. Amount allocated to tourism ministry same as last time, at Rs 2,400 cr.

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New Delhi: Recognising the potential of the tourism sector, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 2023-24 Budget speech Wednesday said, “Promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode, with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships. The sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship for youth in particular.”

She announced the setting up of measures to boost tourism in the country. These include the selection and development of at least 50 destinations as a complete package for domestic and foreign tourists.

These destinations will be selected through a challenge mode using an integrated and innovative approach.

In addition to this, states will be encouraged to set up Unity Malls which will be set up with the objective of promotion and sale of ‘One district, one product’ (ODOP), GI and handicraft products. She said, “States will be encouraged to set up such a Unity Mall in their capital city or most prominent tourism centre or financial capital and also provide space for ODOPs and GI products.”

The amount allocated to the Ministry of Tourism is the same as that of 2022-23 at Rs 2,400 crore. Out of this, Rs 1,644 crore have been earmarked for the development of tourism infrastructure, including an outlay of Rs 1,181.30 crore for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a flagship scheme of the ministry under which 76 projects in 13 thematic circuits have been sanctioned.

Speaking about the budget, tourism minister G. Kishan Reddy tweeted, “I am grateful to PM Sri Narendra Modi ji & FM Nirmala Sitharaman garu for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat ka Budget’. As India celebrates 75 years of independence with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we are entering Amrit Kaal and this budget presents a blueprint for India at 100. Vikas (Development) and Virasat (Heritage) go hand-in-hand and this is evident from the fact that this year’s budgetary allocations for Tourism and Culture Ministries have been significantly higher.”

Tourism app, skilling of guides

The finance minister also announced an app which will provide a real time information of tourist destinations in addition to aspects such as physical connectivity, virtual connectivity, tourist guides, food streets and tourists’ security, to enhance tourist experience.

Sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development will be dovetailed to achieve the objectives of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative, which was launched to encourage domestic tourism in the country.

For integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits, the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’ was also launched. Under the Vibrant Villages Programme, tourism infrastructure and amenities will also be facilitated in border villages.

(Edited by Smriti Sinha)


Also read: Budget 2023: Govt allocates over 2% of GDP to health, focus on research


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