India has decided to drop plans for a separate National Tourism Policy, shifting focus to existing frameworks. The Ministry of Tourism had been working on this policy to provide a structured approach to the sector. However, officials believe that existing policies and initiatives under different ministries sufficiently cover tourism development.
The decision aligns with the government’s broader strategy to streamline policies and avoid duplication. Instead of a standalone policy, tourism-related projects will be integrated into infrastructure, urban planning, and economic development plans. This approach aims to enhance efficiency and coordination across sectors.
Industry experts have expressed mixed reactions. While some believe integrating tourism into larger economic policies will improve implementation, others worry that a dedicated tourism policy would have provided clearer direction and focus. The sector contributes significantly to India’s GDP and employment, making its structured development crucial.
Moving forward, the government will continue supporting tourism through existing schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. Stakeholders are expected to engage in discussions on how to ensure tourism growth without a dedicated national policy.