Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced that the government has given the green light to a project aiming to establish 1,000 tribal homestays under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. These homestays will be a part of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan’, with financial support of up to Rs 5 lakh for new construction, Rs 3 lakh for renovation, and Rs 5 lakh for village community needs.
The Ministry has restructured the Swadesh Darshan Scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to foster sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a focus on tourists and destinations. Emphasizing holistic promotion of India, the Ministry actively advocates rural homestays and rural tourism as part of its initiatives.
Under the voluntary classification scheme for Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishments, the Ministry categorizes homestay facilities across the country. Additionally, the Ministry has identified the rural circuit as a thematic circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to develop tourism-related infrastructure, including rural tourism, in consultation with State Governments and UT Administrations.
Highlighting the significance of responsible tourism, Shekhawat underscored its role as a fundamental element in the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. The Ministry has introduced the Travel for LiFE program to promote sustainable tourism practices among tourists and businesses, focusing on mindful resource utilization, waste reduction, and local economy support to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
