Here's What the Union Budget 2024 Brought in for the Tourism Sector

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman successfully presented her seventh Union Budget on July 23, for the fiscal year 2024-25. Though many reforms and new additions have been noticed in the overall budget, the tourism sector has been granted special attention as India aims to become a global destination. According to the new budget, the government has allocated around ₹2,479 crore to the tourism sector. 

Union Budget for Tourism

The main points mentioned in the new budget pertaining to the tourism sector include:

• Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya will be granted support to be transformed into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations
• Rajgir will be comprehensively developed
• Nalanda University will be revived to its prestigious stature and Nalanda will be revamped to be a global tourist destination
• Odisha will go under development to emerge as an ultimate tourism destination

According to the presentation of the budget, Nalanda, including the Nalanda-Rajgir corridor in Bihar, will be developed and promoted as a tourist destination. “Our government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist destination besides reviving Nalanda University to its glorious stature,” stated the FM.

Additionally, support will be provided to the corridors of Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple in line with Kashi Vishwanath Temple to hike up the religious tourism sector in the country. “Tourism has always been a part of our civilization. Our efforts in positioning India as a global tourist destination will also create jobs, stimulate investments, and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors. The Vishnupad Temple Corridor and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor will be modelled on the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor to transform them into world class pilgrim and tourist destinations.”

On the topic of Rajgir and Odisha, Sitharaman stated, “Rajgir holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata Temple in the Jain Temple Complex is ancient. The Saptharishi or the 7 hotsprings form a warm water Brahmakund that is sacred. Our government will also provide assistance in development of Odisha as well.” 

With the Economic Survey 2023-2024 reporting that Foreign Travel Arrivals (FTAs) in India soared by 43% in 2023 compared to 2022, it is high time special focus is placed on the travel and tourism sector of India. The survey reported that over 9.2 million foreigners visited India in 2023.