In response to the “emerging fervour” for domestic tourism in the nation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Thursday that projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up “on our islands, including Lakshadweep”.
She also stated that “our economic strength has made the country an attractive destination for business and conference tourism” while presenting the interim Union Budget.
The finance minister mentioned Lakshadweep, which is important since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the island on January 4. He tried snorkelling and feels that Lakshadweep should be on the bucket list of anybody looking to embrace the adventurer in them.
In her budget speech, Sitharaman stated that the Indian middle class “aspires to travel and explore”. Tourism, especially spiritual tourism, provides multiple opportunities for local entrepreneurship, she continued.
She said,”States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at global scale. A framework for rating of the centres based on quality of facilities and services will be established.”
Long-term interest-free loans would be granted to states to fund such projects on a matching basis, she stated.
“To address the emerging fervour for domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be taken up on our islands, including Lakshadweep. This will help in generating employment also. She also added, “The success of organising G-20 Summit meets at 60 places presented the diversity of India to global audience.”