Travel opens a country’s doors to the world, inviting others to experience its unique culture, heritage, and beauty.
India’s tourist sector has historically made significant contributions to the national economy. Along with creating career opportunities it promotes cross-cultural interaction and helps local businesses. However, the tourism industry’s quick expansion has also brought along some drawbacks, such as environmental deterioration, congestion, and the exploitation of local populations.
The Government of India under the Ministry of Tourism launched its flagship scheme of Swadesh Darshan in 2014-15. This scheme was to promote tourism and boost economic development through the development and beautification of tourist places across the country. This initiation is to encourage domestic and international travellers to explore the rich cultural, historical and natural diversity of India.
To further promote the nation’s tourism products, especially coastline tourism, the Ministry of Tourism engages in a variety of marketing initiatives on both the domestic and international markets. The launch of media campaigns under the Incredible India brand, promotional activities, and social media promotions falls under this category. Through its website, the Ministry of Tourism promotes coastal travel.
“Swadesh Darshan” translates to “Tour of One’s Own Country”, promotes domestic tourism, which increases employment opportunities, encourages local economies and ensures sustainable development all over the country.
The main aspect of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is that it focuses on developing theme based tourist circuits. These circuits are carefully designed to showcase India and her rich heritage.
The Swadesh Darshan programme of the Ministry of Tourism has been updated with the goals of generating employment for the local population, including self-employment, and preserving and enhancing the area’s natural and cultural treasures.
In accordance with this plan, the ministry offers financial support to state governments, administrations of Union Territories, or central organisations for the development of the nation’s tourism infrastructure.
“There is a large potential to be tapped in tourism. The sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship, for the youth in particular,” Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
The Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme has approved 76 projects in 13 themed circuits. The government’s allocation for 2021–2022, which was INR 630 crore, has increased to INR 1,180.30 crore, or over 88%, of the budget forecast for 2022–2023. The highest allocation was for Swadesh Darshan Scheme around INR 2400 crore, which indicates the government will be focusing on the tourism sector in near future.
The Tribal Sub Plan, which would develop tourism infrastructure in tribal communities, will receive INR 98 crore of the entire investment.
The Ministry will assist in finishing the ongoing initiatives under the programme by the financial allocation, and the produced infrastructure will improve the travel experience for travellers visiting smaller and less well-known locations. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, 55 additional locations are slated for development, and the Ministry would continue to place a priority on the Northeast, the Himalayan region, and tribal areas, the Minister said.
Under the Swadesh Darshan project, the integrated development of tourist circuits centred around particular themes will be handled by the tourism ministry with funding of 2,400 crore. The program’s goal is “to develop theme-based tourist circuits on the principles of high visitor value, competitiveness, and sustainability in an integrated manner by coordinating efforts to focus on the needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich the visitor experience and improve employment opportunities.”
The Swadesh Darshan2.0 programme indicates a transition away from theme-based tourist circuits and towards destination management. Destination management entails a thorough approach to tourism development that takes into account the industry’s effects on the social, economic, and environmental spheres.
Through the participation of local communities in the tourism development process, the Swadesh Darshan2.0 programme seeks to advance sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, it aims to create tourism infrastructure that respects the community’s ecology and culture.
The action is being taken as part of the Swadesh Darshan 2’s initial phase, which will begin in January. Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are among the 15 States that make up the first phase. There are two places from each State that have been chosen.
According to reports, the centres had chosen their destinations after consulting with the state tourism offices, and they were now awaiting clearance from the ministry’s tourism minister, G. Kishan Reddy. The Swadesh Darshan programme is entirely subsidised by the government.
With a focus on tourists and destinations, the government has redesigned the programme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to create sustainable and ethical travel destinations.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme is expected to have a incredibly beneficial effect on the Indian tourism industry. It encourages visitors to travel wisely, to respect the environment, and to protect the local cultures. By employing sustainable practises,it is possible to lessen the damaging impacts of tourism on the environment and nearby populations.
This programme aims to support local businesses and create new employment opportunities. Tourism will increase demand for goods and services in the transportation, hotel, and allied industries, creating more employment opportunities for the local population.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme aims to promote environmentally friendly behaviours, increase employment possibilities, and draw in private capital to promote the expansion and prosperity of India’s tourism sector. India wants to establish itself as a leader in ethical and successful tourism by protecting the environment, strengthening local communities, and encouraging private firms.
