TOURISM

INDIA LANDSCAPE

Key National Strategic Priorities

India envisions to become a one trillion-dollar tourism economy by 2047.
India ranks 31st in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, 2026.
USD 28.74 Bn (INR 2,76,831 Crore) foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from tourism in FY 2026.
According to the latest TSA estimates cited by the Ministry of Tourism, the sector contributes 5.22% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Employment in the sector rose from 6.94 crore in 2019-20 to 8.46 crore in 2023-24.
India carries enormous potential in expanding tourism; introduced several government initiatives to support the sector's development:
- Under the 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive' (PRASHAD) scheme, 54 projects have been sanctioned at a cost of USD 179.29 Mn (INR 1726.74 Crore) with 32 projects fully completed under the Scheme [December 2025].
- 7 new religious and heritage sites have been identified and sanctioned under the Scheme [February 2026].
- Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a total number of 76 projects under different thematic circuits in the country for a total sanctioned cost of USD 549.25 Mn (INR 5290.30 Crore) [December 2025].
- The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. Till date, 53 projects have been sanctioned by the Ministry under SD 2.0 at a total sanctioned cost of USD 229.26 million (INR 2,208.27 Crore) [December 2025].
- The Destination Development (CBDD) initiative is a sub-scheme of Darshan 2.0 focusing on undertaking the holistic development of tourist destinations, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Under the scheme, 37 projects worth USD 71.45 Mn (INR 687.99 crore) have been sanctioned for destinations with high tourism potential, covering spiritual and eco-tourism categories.
- The SASCI scheme (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) for tourism focuses on better tourism infrastructure, connectivity and visitor facilities, creating employment and support local economic growth. Under the scheme, 40 projects across 23 States have been approved. The scheme received USD 342. 20 Mn (INR 3295.76 crore) in FY 2024–25, with 100% Central funding.
- Under Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP), the Ministry of Tourism provides short-term training for skilling, upskilling, and reskilling. Hunar Se Rozgar Tak is also implemented under the scheme. CBSP trained over 1.68 lakh people and placed more than 36,000 between FY 2020–21 and FY 2024–25.
India’s e-visa facility has expanded to nationals of 172 countries in 2026 from 43 in 2014, entry being permitted through 88 international ports, including 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports. India now issues roughly 78% of all visas as electronic visas.
The Incredible India Digital Platform personalises visitor experiences through real-time weather updates, city exploration, connecting travellers with Online Travel Agents (OTAs)and other tourism stakeholders for booking flights, hotels, cabs and buses, as well as tickets for ASI monuments.
NIDHI+ , the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry, is a unified digital platform providing end-to-end online processing, integrated payments and transparent approvals, while improving ease of doing business. As of September 2026, NIDHI+ lists 63,740 accommodation units, 54 convention centres, 215 food business operators, 1,450 online travel aggregators and 15,531 tourism service providers .
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi introduced the vision of ‘Wed in India’ in November 2024, urging the citizens of India to opt for destination weddings within the country, and support generating significant revenue for hotels, local vendors, artisans, transport operators, event planners, and tourism businesses.
Rajasthan has seen remarkable growth in the number of domestic and international tourists. The domestic tourist has seen an enormous growth of 1570.32% and foreign 336.09% over the past six years.

Rajasthan recorded a total tourist footfall of approx. 254.45 million in FY 2025 compared to 232.2 million in 2024.

Rajasthan Landscape

Rajasthan: Key Sector Performance:

Tourism and Hospitality sector has been accorded full benefits of Industry Status.
Tourism sector contributes to around 12% to State's GDP.
In Calender Year 2025, 252.50 Mn domestic tourists and 1.95Mn international tourists visited Rajasthan.
In the year 2025, Rajasthan ranked 7th in terms of domestic and 6thRank international tourists.
Nine sites have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Under the 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive' (PRASHAD) scheme, the Integrated Development of Pushkar/Ajmer was approved as a project. Additionally, Shri Karni Mata Mandir in Bikaner District and Sun Temple in Budhahita, Kota District were recognized as key sites.
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Bundi (Keshoraipatan) and Jodhpur have been identified sites for development in Rajasthan.

Awards and Accolades:

Best State Promoting Fairs and Festivals Award and Best State Promotion Film Tourism, The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Conclave and Awards in the March 2023.
Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre &JECC awarded the Best Debut Hotel – North at the The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave Awards in Gurugram in November 2024.
Teela received the Best Debut Resort – North, Six Senses Fort Barwara the Spa Property of the Year – Hotel and The Ananta Udaipur the Wedding Property of the Year - Hotels – North at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave Awards in Gurugram in November 2024.
Alila Fort, Bishangarh received the Luxury Wedding Property of the Year – Hotels and Palace/Heritage Hotel of the Year - Before 1950 at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave Awards in Gurugram in November 2024.
Udaipur awarded the most preferred Indian leisure destination by the Condé Nast Traveller 2025. Jaipur among the top 5 preferred Indian leisure destinations in the same category
Rajasthan awarded the Favourite Indian State for Road Trips by the Condé Nast Traveller 2025
Destination of the Year Award (Royal Experience) Conferred by the Paciﬁc Asia Travel Association in March 2025.
Best Heritage Destination Award received for Amber Fort at the India Today Tourism Survey & Awards in March 2025.
Best Mountain Destination Award conferred for Kumbhalgarh Fort at the India Today Tourism Survey & Awards in March 2025.
Best Culinary Destination Award awarded to Bikaner city at the India Today Tourism Survey & Awards in March 2025.
Best Sustainable Travel Experience in India Award conferred at the India International Travel Mart, Bengaluru in July 2025.
Best Design and Decoration Awards received at the Travel and Tourism Fairs (TTF) held in Mumbai and Gandhinagar in August, 2025
Fairmont Jaipur awarded the Best Wedding Hotel and Fairmont Udaipur the Best New Entrant in Luxury Hospitality at the TTJ MICE & Wedding Awards, New Delhi in October 2025
Rajasthan Tourism awarded the Most Popular Indian Wedding Destination at the TTJ MICE & Wedding Awards, New Delhi in October 2025
Best Wedding Destination Award conferred by Outlook Traveller Awards in New Delhi in November 2025.
Heritage Destination of the year Award received at the India Internal Travel Mart, Pune in November 2025.
The Cultural Kaleidoscope Award received at the India Internal Travel Mart, Hyderabad in December 2025.
The Wanderlust Destination Award received at India International Travel Mart, Kochi in January, 2026
India Today Readers Choice Award for Best Adventure Destination received at India Today Tourism Summit, Goa in June, 2026.
Award of Excellence received at Travel and Tourism Fair, Kolkata in July, 2026.
Best Luxury Destination Award received at India International Travel Mart, Chennai in July, 2026.
Best Heritage Tourism Destination Award and Destination of the Year Awards received at India International Travel Mart, Bengaluru in July, 2026.
Jaipur and Udaipur received Best Cities Awards by Travel + Leisure in July, 2026.
Award of Excellence received at Travel and Tourism Fair, Gandhinagar in August, 2026.
Best Design and Decoration Award received at Travel and Tourism Fair, Mumbai in August, 2026.

Rajasthan: Value Proposition for Tourism Investors

Historical and Cultural Richness: Rajasthan is home to numerous historical forts, palaces, and heritage sites, such as the Amber Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, and City Palace. These attractions draw tourists interested in history and culture.
Geographical Diversity: The State offers a variety of landscapes, from the Thar Desert to the Aravalli Range, providing opportunities for diverse tourism experiences, including desert safaris, wildlife tours, and trekking.
Connectivity: Rajasthan is well-connected by air, road, and rail. Major cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur have airports with flights to and from key Indian cities and international destinations. This makes it accessible for both domestic and international tourists.
Part of the Golden Triangle: Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is part of the famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit, which also includes Delhi and Agra. This circuit is popular among tourists for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.

The State has many national and internationally reputed institution contributing to the growth and development of Human Capital in the State.

Universities: There are 52 private universities and 31 State funded universities and one central university.
Nationally and Internationally Renowned Institutions: The State is home to numerous technical institutes, including prestigious ones like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur, Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) - Kota, National Institute of Logistics and Material Management, Udaipur, National Law University, Jodhpur, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, FDDI - Jodhpur, The Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani etc.
Availability of Manpower: Pool of a large young trained workforce with 62% of Indian population in the working age group of 15 to 59 years.

Policies & Incentives

To reposition Rajasthan as a preferred tourist destination for both domestic as well as international tourists, the State government has formulated sector specific policies:

Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024

View Policy

Tourism is designated as a key sector under RIPS 2024, offering the following benefits to the service sector.

Asset Creation Incentives (ACI)

Investment Subsidy (SGST Reimbursement) -75% of the State tax due and deposited for a period of 7 years OR
Capital Subsidy -10-20% of EFCI* to be disbursed in annual instalments over 10 years OR
Turnover Linked Incentive (TLI) -1.00% - 1.40% of Net Sales Turnover to be disbursed annually for 10 years

Special Incentives

Employment Booster -10% - 15% booster on chosen Asset Creation Incentive.
Training & Skilling Incentive - Skilling support in form of a Training Subsidy of Rs. 4000 per worker per month for 6 months for training delivered in Rajasthan.

Exemptions

100% Stamp Duty
100% conversion charges
100% exemption of Electricity duty for 7 years

Additional Incentives

Thrust Sector Booster - 10% Thrust Booster on top of ACI chosen OR
Regional/Sectoral Anchor Booster - 20 % Anchor booster on top of ACI chosen

Customized Packages

Investment of more than Rs. 500 cr - Option to redistribute benefits among ACI (Capital Subsidy, TLI and SGST reimbursement).
Investment of more than Rs. 1000 cr and employment of more than 800 persons - Customization on a higher NPV of the Asset Creation Incentive upto 20% of the NPV of the chosen ACI.

Other unique features

Telescoping and upgrade the earlier set of incentives paid on a lower slab basis the total incentives applicable once the full investment is completed.

Ease of Doing Business

RajNivesh portal provides a single point, online interface and a time-bound clearance mechanism by acting as a one-stop information / registration / approval / tracking centre for clearances & approvals.
The platform integrates 120+ services across 14 departments, emphasizing the State's commitment to the implementation of investor-friendly policies that enhance ease of doing business and promote sustainable development.
Officials from 14 concerned Departments of State government have been deputed to Bureau of Investment Promotion, Rajasthan for facilitation of investment proposals.
Under the Rajasthan Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Facilitation of Establishment and Operation) Act-2019:
- For the execution of this Act, the Government of Rajasthan launched a web portal on 12th June 2019 for filing applications.
- Issuance of 'Acknowledgement Certificate' up on submission of 'Declaration of Intent' electronically or physically to the nodal agency.
- On basis of said certificate an MSME unit is exempted from approvals and inspections under all State laws for 5 years from the date of issuance of the Acknowledgement Certificate

Opportunities

Eco-Tourism

The State has ample opportunities for eco-tourism. There are 3 national parks, 26 wildlife sanctuaries, 5 tiger reserves and 36 conservation reserves in the State. 4 biological parks at Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota and Jodhpur have also been developed.

Hospitality Units

Hotels, resorts and conversion of heritage properties into hospitality units - Potential to invest in Rajasthan's booming hospitality sector by acquiring and developing hotels and resorts, capitalizing on the State's rich cultural heritage and growing tourism industry. The State caters to needs across traveller segments, ranging from backpacker hostels to luxurious palaces and forts.

Rural Tourism

Desert tourism, wildlife and eco-tourism, rural tourism experiences - Opportunities in development of innovative sites and activities in the desert, wildlife sanctuaries and rural areas to provide tourists with authentic and immersive natural and cultural experiences.

MICE Tourism

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Tourism - Government of Rajasthan announced to promote MICE tourism in preferred locations like Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. MICE facilities having area more than 2 lakh sq. ft will be exempted from stamp duty.

Wedding Tourism

Rajasthan is a prime wedding destination, famed for its opulent palaces and rich cultural offerings like traditional music and dance, appealing to both domestic and international couples. Its robust event infrastructure ensures seamless accommodation of large-scale celebrations, enhancing its allure as an ideal locale.

Tourism Start-ups

Benefits available under Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme, 2022 will be extended to all startups. The department plans to organize an annual event 'Rajasthan Startup Tourism Connect' for startups to showcase their services and connect to stakeholders.

Heritage Hotels

In recent years, one of the most exciting tourism products in Rajasthan has been the conversion of old buildings into charming heritage hotels. This has led to a new experience for tourists in the hinterlands of the State, as well as has played a very important role in their conservation. Privately owned heritage properties are available at many places which have the potential for development as Heritage Units. The Department of Tourism has put together a list of properties after confirming the interest of the owners.