Holistic approach needed to develop tourism: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a holistic approach to developing tourism in the country and emphasised that this should involve out-of-the-box thinking to tap the full potential of all kinds of centres and one that caters to all sections- from the middle class to the international travelers. He said at least 50 destinations should have the infrastructure and logistics that attract foreign tourists who bring valuable foreign exchange to the country.

Addressing the budget webinar on the theme "developing tourism in mission mode" on Friday, the prime minister maintained that tourism is not a "fancy term" that is confined to only the rich and the moneyed. He enumerated the kinds of tourism that exist in the country including coastal tourism, beach tourism, mangrove tourism, Himalayan tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, eco-tourism, heritage tourism, spiritual tourism, wedding destinations, tourism via conferences and sports tourism.

Furthermore, there are pilgrimage centres like the Ramayan Circuit, Buddha Circuit, Krishna Circuit as well as the Northeast Circuit, Gandhi Circuit, and pilgrimages of all saints.


Even with meagre resources people used to undertake the Char Dham Yatra, Dwadash Jyotirling Yatra, 51 Shaktipeeth Yatra and these journeys also strengthened the unity of India.

Development of infrastructure, ease of travelling and availability of modern facilities also give a boost, the prime minister said, citing the example of Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi which earlier had around 80 lakh people per year but post renovation, the tourist footfall crossed 7 crores last year. Similarly, Kedarnath now gets around 15 lakh devotees whereas prior to the reconstruction work at Kedarghati, the number used to be only 4-5 lakh.

More tourists also creates more opportunities for employment and self-employment. Modi claimed that the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, saw 27 lakh tourists visiting the place in the first year.

He underlined that India's tourism sector can increase manifold with growing civic amenities, good digital connectivity, good hotels and hospitals, no trace of filth, and excellent infrastructure. Skill development of locals, cleanliness, modern infra, also impacts tourist visits.

About 10,000 people visit Kankaria lake in Ahmedabad despite the applicable entry fees, the prime minister said, adding, "Every tourist destination can also develop its own revenue model."

Foreign tourists should also be wooed, Modi emphasised.