Ministry, Department and Institutions

Ministry of Tourism

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Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is the apex body responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs aimed at promoting tourism in India. Established in 1967, the ministry plays a pivotal role in the development and promotion of tourism as a major engine of economic growth, employment generation, and cultural exchange in the country.

The Ministry of Tourism has a public sector undertaking- India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC), and the following autonomous institutions:

  • Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM)
  • National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS)
  • National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT)
  • Institutes of Hotel Management.

Key Responsibilities

  • Policy Formulation: The Ministry of Tourism formulates policies and strategies to promote tourism and enhance India’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. These policies cover areas such as infrastructure development, marketing and promotion, human resource development, and sustainable tourism practices.
  • Promotion and Marketing: The ministry is responsible for promoting India as a tourist destination both domestically and internationally. It undertakes various promotional activities, campaigns, and events to showcase India’s diverse tourism offerings and attract tourists from around the world.
  • Infrastructure Development: One of the key priorities of the ministry is the development of tourism infrastructure, including transportation networks, accommodation facilities, tourist amenities, and heritage sites. This infrastructure development aims to enhance the overall tourism experience and facilitate the growth of the tourism sector.
  • Skill Development: The Ministry of Tourism focuses on human resource development in the tourism sector through skill development initiatives, training programs, and capacity building efforts. It works towards creating a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the tourism industry.
  • Policy Advocacy: The ministry serves as a nodal agency for coordinating with other government departments, state governments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to advocate for policies and measures that support the growth and development of the tourism sector.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Recognizing the importance of sustainable tourism, the ministry promotes responsible tourism practices that minimize environmental impact, preserve cultural heritage, and benefit local communities.

Initiatives to Promote Tourism

  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme: This scheme aims to develop thematic tourist circuits in India to provide tourists with holistic and memorable experiences. It focuses on the development of tourism infrastructure, including accommodation, transportation, and interpretation centers, along the identified circuits. Examples of thematic circuits include Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, and Heritage Circuit.
  • Adopt a Heritage Site Scheme: This scheme encourages public and private sector companies, as well as individuals, to adopt heritage sites, monuments, and tourist sites for development and maintenance. Adopted sites receive funding and technical support for infrastructure development, conservation, and promotion, while adopters receive branding benefits and recognition. 
  • Swadesh Darshan: Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits: Under this scheme, the government focuses on the integrated development of tourist circuits by linking various tourism destinations within a region. It aims to enhance the tourist experience by improving connectivity, infrastructure, and amenities along the identified circuits.
  • The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The primary objective of PRASHAD is to develop and beautify pilgrimage destinations and heritage sites across India to enhance the spiritual and cultural experience for tourists and pilgrims.
  • The Pan-India Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification Program: It is an initiative launched by the Ministry to enhance the quality of tourist guides and facilitators across the country. The program aims to provide standardized training and certification to individuals involved in the tourism industry, including tour guides, tour escorts, interpreters, and other facilitators.
  • Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme: The CBSP scheme aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of service providers in the tourism sector, including tour operators, guides, and hospitality staff. It provides training programs, workshops, and skill development initiatives to improve service quality and professionalism in the tourism industry.
  • National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI): It is a technology driven system, which is to facilitate digitalization and promote ease of doing business for hospitality & tourism sector. This initiative has been upgraded as NIDHI+ to have more inclusivity, that is, of not only Accommodation Units, but also Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Tourist Transport Operators, Food & Beverage Units, Online Travel Aggregators, Convention Centers and Tourist Facilitators.

 

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