For travellers, now there are multiple reasons to rejoice. The Union Budget, announced on Feb 1, 2023, will have a key focus on the travel and tourism sector, with 50 tourist destinations to be selected with the active participation of the state governments. These destinations will be developed for domestic and international tourism as a whole package. State governments will participate actively under "Mission Mode" and there will be a convergence of government programs and encouragement of public-private partnerships.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her 5th Budget announcement, said that the country offers an immense attraction for domestic as well as international tourists. "There is a large potential to be tapped in tourism," she said. "The travel industry has been in a surge in the last couple of years mainly because of COVID-19, and it was only suitable that it got revived now more than ever.&rdquo
Members of the travel and tourism industry have welcomed the announcements.
"We are happy the government has recognized this and welcome the targeted incentives announced in this budget of developing 50 tourist destinations in India as a package for attracting domestic and international travellers,&rdquo said Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO & Co-founder, Ixigo. &ldquoThe development of 50 new airports will improve regional air connectivity and benefit travellers from Tier 2 & 3 cities which have seen significant growth in demand for air travel and first-time flyers post-relaxation of travel restrictions."
Here are some other reasons for travellers to rejoice
Aviation & Railways
There will be a revival of 50 additional airports, helicopters, water aerodromes, and advanced landing grounds to improve air connectivity. This means that it will become easier for more travellers to access flights and save time. The budget has also allocated a capital outlay of Rs 2.40 lakh crores for the Railways, which is the highest ever and is nine times over the fiscal year 2014. This would, hopefully, result in better services and more trains.
Unity Malls and GI products
Unity Malls, which would be promoting GI products and other state-wise handicrafts, will now be set up in state capitals or the most populous tourist destinations with the sole agenda of "One District One Product.&rdquo
Environment-friendly initiatives
Building on India's success in afforestation, the &ldquoMangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes,&rdquo MISHTI, will be taken up for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands. Wetlands are vital ecosystems which sustain biological diversity, and the Amrit Dharohar scheme will encourage optimal use of wetlands, enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.