The Ministry continues to monitor the evolving needs of the tourism sector and remains open to further enhancements in alignment with national priorities and stakeholder inputs, said the Union Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The Ministry of Tourism had earlier been working towards formulating a draft National Tourism Policy with a view to keep the sector updated with the latest developments. However, a recent update confirms that the implementation of much awaited National Tourism Policy has been dropped as the elements and action areas highlighted in the draft policy document have been suitably incorporated in all the schemes and guidelines. “In view of this, a separate tourism policy is not envisaged at this point in time. The Ministry is further open to continuous engagement with all stakeholders,” stated Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The Ministry of Tourism had drafted a comprehensive National Tourism Policy, reflecting recent developments in the sector. Initially expected to be launched by 2023, the policy outlines a strategic framework to bolster India’s tourism ecosystem, support the industry, and foster growth across sub-sectors. Its key objectives include boosting tourism’s economic contribution by increasing visitor numbers, duration of stays, and spending; creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities supported by a skilled workforce; enhancing sector competitiveness to attract private investments; preserving and promoting India’s cultural and natural heritage; and ensuring sustainable, responsible, and inclusive tourism development.
Shekhawat, during his written reply in Lok Sabha, shared that at present, the focus remains on strengthening and effectively implementing these ongoing initiatives rather than formulating a separate policy document. “The Ministry continues to monitor the evolving needs of the tourism sector and remains open to further enhancements in alignment with national priorities and stakeholder inputs.”
He also briefed about the various schemes, programs, and initiatives, such as Swadesh Darshan, Challenge Based Destination Development, PRASHAD, Dekho Apna Desh, Chalo India, Meet in India, Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi, Hunar Se Rozgar Tak which have been addressing issues related to the tourism promotion and development, industry competitiveness, skill development, tourism infrastructure development, sustainability. He said that the Ministry has also been working in close coordination with relevant stakeholders, including other Central Ministries, State/UT Governments and Tourism & Hospitality industry, ensuring a whole-of-government approach for sectoral growth.
Previously, addressing the questions posed by T3 about the National Tourism Policy, Shekhawat had stated that it is being revisited with inputs from various states. “We have worked with the best individuals in tourism and compiled the investment policies related to tourism from different states across the country. Rajasthan’s policy was once considered the benchmark, but states like Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh have made remarkable progress,” he said.
“We consolidated all these efforts to develop a best-policy format and shared it with the states on the occasion of the last International Tourism Day,” added Shekhawat, noting that the consolidated policy framework is expected to provide a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive tourism growth across the country. “All states are now working seriously in this direction concerning the National Tourism Policy,” he added, while refraining from specifying a timeline for its official announcement.