Budget 2023 | ‘Mission mode’ for tourism announced, but no increase in allocation
The Hindu
Upto 50 tourist destinations, an app for tourists, and retail outlets for handicrafts to be developed, but the budget allocation remains at ₹2,400 crore, the same as last year
Upto 50 new tourist destinations will be developed; an information-driven app will be created for tourists; and ‘’Unity Malls” will be set up in State capitals to showcase handicrafts and products with geographical indication (GI) status. These are among the slew of measures announced in the Union budget for promotion of tourism that will go into “mission mode”, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as she presented the budget in Parliament on February 1.
There was, however, no increase in budget allocation which remained at ₹2,400 crore as last year.
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These 50 destinations would be selected through a challenge, and developed as a complete package, using an integrated and innovative approach. The mobile app will provide tourist-friendly information like physical and virtual connectivity, and details on tourist guides, amongst other guidance. A high standard of street food would be ensured, to enhance the tourist experience, Ms Sitharaman said.
The budget also incentivized domestic tourism for the middle class, announcing sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development to achieve the objectives of the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. The scheme was launched as an appeal to the middle class to pick domestic destinations over international ones.
Under another scheme, the Vibrant Villages Programme, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be facilitated in border villages.
The Finance Minister said states will be encouraged to set up a Unity Mall in their state capitals, or the most prominent tourism centre, or the financial capital. These malls would work towards the promotion and sale of each State’s own ODOP (one district, one product) and other handicrafts. They would also provide space for such products of all other States.