State Governments and Union Territory administrations continue to manage the development and promotion of tourism destinations, including those in rural areas.
To boost tourism in tribal regions, the Ministry of Tourism has issued guidelines and a proposal template for the “Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas,” a sub‑scheme of Swadesh Darshan under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM‑JUGA).
The initiative aims to encourage responsible tourism while expanding livelihood opportunities for tribal communities through homestay development. The guidelines also emphasise technical training and upskilling for homestay owners.
The scheme provides support of up to Rs 5 lakh for meeting village community requirements, another Rs 5 lakh for constructing two new rooms in each household, and up to Rs 3 lakh for renovating existing rooms. A total of 1,000 homestays are to be developed under this initiative.
The Ministry has also drawn up guidelines for “Challenge Based Destination Development,” part of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, designed to enhance visitor experience and transform destinations into sustainable and responsible tourism sites. Alongside these policy measures, the Ministry continues to promote India’s tourism offerings, including rural homestays and rural destinations, through ongoing digital campaigns, its website, and social media platforms.
To further accelerate green and eco‑tourism, the Ministry has formulated National Strategies for Eco Tourism and Sustainable Tourism. It has also launched the Travel for LiFE programme to promote environmentally responsible travel practices and encourage both tourists and tourism businesses to adopt sustainable habits.
Officials said these collective initiatives intend to strengthen tourism infrastructure, diversify tourism products, and support community‑based and environmentally conscious tourism across the country.
