LATEST NEWS : CHALO INDIA GLOBAL DIASPORA CAMPAIGN, SO FAR 30 e-tourist VISAS ISSUED

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELGI | 28 JULY 2025

The Chalo India initiative was launched by the Ministry of Tourism for members of the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India ambassadors by encouraging their non-Indian friends to visit India, every year. Till date, 30 e-tourist visas, have been issued under the said initiative.

The objective of the initiative is to promote the tourist destinations and products of the country, including the lesser-known destinations and cultural heritage sites, with the aim of increasing India’s share in the global tourism market. Ministry of Tourism undertakes tourism promotional activities in potential source markets overseas in association with the Indian Missions overseas, travel trade industry and the State Governments/ UT Administrations to enhance tourist footfalls to the country.

Promotion of Coastal and Marine Adventure Tourism:

Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including adventure tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry complements the efforts of States/UTs through various schemes and initiatives.

The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in the country including adventure tourism. The projects undertaken for development by the Ministry are identified in consultation with State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies and are sanctioned subject to submission of project proposals by them, their adherence to relevant scheme guidelines and submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports.

The Ministry of Tourism, in association with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) has formulated Model Adventure Safety Guidelines with an aim to establish a comprehensive and standardized framework to ensure safety in the Adventure Tourism sector across India. These guidelines have been circulated to all States and Union Territories for adoption and formulation/updation of safety protocols.

All the States/Union Territories have been requested to maintain a strict watch on all adventure related activities and ensure strict adherence to safety regulations and licensing norms by all the operators.

Promotion of Green and Eco-Tourism:

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through various initiatives. As part of on-going activities; promotion of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism is also taken up. In order to provide impetus for development of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism in the country, Ministry of Tourism formulated National Strategies for Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism and initiated Travel for LiFE programme to promote sustainable tourism in the country and to encourage the tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices.

The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure in the country under its schemes. The Ministry has identified Eco Circuit as one of the thematic circuits under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme. With the efforts of Ministry of Tourism, the State Governments/UT Administrations of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh have deployed tourist police in one form or the other.

Promotion of MICE Tourism:

Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including MICE tourism, is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, as part of its on-going activities, the Ministry of Tourism regularly promotes India as a holistic tourism destination including MICE tourism through various mediums including social media and websites.

Ministry of Tourism identified MICE as one of the important segment of Tourism. Ministry has also formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for MICE Industry to promote the growth of MICE industry in the country. The following Key pillars have been identified in the MICE strategy document: