🏛️ Description
The Ministry of Tourism is a key arm of the Government of India responsible for the formulation of national policies, plans, and programs to promote and develop tourism across the country. It works towards positioning India as a global tourism destination by leveraging its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse experiences — from spiritual tourism and wellness retreats to adventure, eco, and rural tourism.
The Ministry coordinates with central ministries, state governments, and private stakeholders to enhance infrastructure, hospitality standards, digital marketing, and sustainable tourism practices. It also focuses on skill development in the hospitality sector and global outreach through campaigns like Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh.
🎯 Mandate
- Formulate policies and strategies for the promotion and development of tourism in India.
- Develop tourism infrastructure, circuits, and destinations across states and UTs.
- Enhance India’s image as a safe, sustainable, and inclusive global tourism destination.
- Support the hospitality sector through training and certification programs.
- Promote responsible and eco-friendly tourism practices.
- Collaborate with global tourism bodies like UNWTO and WTTC.
- Facilitate digital and rural tourism initiatives for wider participation and inclusivity.
🌐 Official Website
🏢 Offices & Contacts
Headquarters:
Ministry of Tourism
Transport Bhawan, 1 Parliament Street,
New Delhi – 110001, India
Telephone: +91-11-23711984 / 23311237
Email: secy-tourism@nic.in
Website: https://tourism.gov.in
🏗️ Departments & Key Organisations
- India Tourism Offices (Domestic & Overseas): Promote India’s tourism products and assist travelers worldwide — tourism.gov.in/india-tourism-offices
- Incredible India Campaign: Flagship global branding initiative — incredibleindia.org
- Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM): Premier institute for tourism and travel education — iittm.ac.in
- National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT): Regulates hospitality education and training — nchm.nic.in
- Hotel and Travel Trade Division: Coordinates classification and approval of hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators.
- Regional Tourism Offices: Implement central schemes at the regional level and facilitate state coordination.
✈️ Flagship Schemes & Initiatives
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits — swadeshdarshan.gov.in
- PRASHAD Scheme: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive — tourism.gov.in/prashad-scheme
- Dekho Apna Desh: Domestic tourism promotion and citizen engagement campaign.
- Incredible India 2.0: Digital marketing and experiential tourism outreach initiative.
- Iconic Tourism Sites Development Project: Upgradation of major heritage and natural destinations.
- Adopt a Heritage Project: Public–private partnership for heritage conservation — adoptaheritage.in
- Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Programme: Online certification and job opportunities for guides — iitf.gov.in
🌍 Focus Areas
- Promotion of sustainable, eco, and adventure tourism.
- Boosting rural, heritage, and spiritual tourism circuits.
- Digital transformation in tourism marketing and services.
- Employment and skill generation in hospitality and allied sectors.
- International partnerships and tourism diplomacy to enhance India’s global presence.