Introduction
Tourism infrastructure means the basic facilities and services needed to support tourists and tourism activities. It includes transport, accommodation, roads, airports, connectivity and other tourist facilities. The Government of India has introduced several schemes to improve tourism infrastructure and connectivity across the country. Important initiatives include Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, DPPH Scheme and UDAN. These schemes help develop tourist destinations and make travel easier, comfortable and accessible.
- TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE :
Tourism infrastructure refers to all the basic facilities, services and supporting systems that are necessary for the development and successful operation of tourism in a destination. It includestransportation facilities such as roads, railways, airports and waterways, along with accommodation, restaurants, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, communication facilities, parking areas, tourist information centres and other public amenities. Proper infrastructure makes a destination safe, comfortable, accessible and convenient for tourists. Good infrastructure also improves the quality of the tourist experience and supports local communities and tourism businesses. The Government of India has introduced several schemes to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote tourism development in different parts of the country.
The Government of India has introduced different schemes to improve tourism infrastructure and connectivity. Important schemes include Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, DPPH Scheme and UDAN. These schemes focus on developing tourist destinations, improving facilities and making tourism more accessible to people.
Objectives of Tourism Infrastructure:
- To improve facilities for tourists.
- To provide better transport and connectivity.
- To develop tourist destinations.
- To make travel safe, easy and comfortable.
- To promote tourism and create local employment.
2. SWADESH DARSHAN :
Swadesh Darshan is an important tourism infrastructure development scheme introduced by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, during 2014–15. The main purpose of this scheme was to develop tourist destinations through theme-based tourism circuits and provide better infrastructure and facilities for visitors. Under the scheme, destinations having similar tourism attractions were connected and developed as tourism circuits. Different themes were considered according to the cultural, natural, religious and geographical characteristics of different regions. These included Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Himalayan, North-East, Ramayana, Rural, Spiritual and Tribal tourism circuits. The scheme aimed to make tourist destinations more attractive, accessible and comfortable by improving basic infrastructure and visitor facilities.
Swadesh Darshan supported the development of facilities such as roads, pathways, parking areas, lighting, sanitation, signboards, tourist amenities, interpretation centres and other facilities required by visitors. It also helped promote lesser-known destinations and distribute tourism benefits to different regions. Development of tourism infrastructure creates opportunities for local people through hotels, restaurants, transportation, guiding services, handicrafts and other tourism-related activities. It also helps increase tourist arrivals and strengthens the local economy.
Major Objectives:
• To develop important tourist destinations and tourism circuits.
• To improve basic tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities.
• To increase domestic and international tourist arrivals.
• To promote different tourism themes across India.
• To create employment and income opportunities for local communities.
• To improve the overall tourist experience.
3. SWADESH DARSHAN 2.0:
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is the revamped and improved version of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. It follows a destination-centric approach rather than focusing mainly on tourism circuits. The scheme aims to develop selected tourist destinations in a planned and integrated manner and focuses on improving the complete experience of tourists. It gives importance to quality infrastructure, better tourist facilities, effective destination management and the creation of attractive tourism experiences. The scheme is designed to make Indian tourist destinations more competitive and suitable for both domestic and international visitors.
An important feature of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is its emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism. Tourism development should not damage the natural environment, cultural heritage or traditional lifestyle of local communities. Therefore, the scheme encourages destinations to use their natural, cultural and historical resources carefully while developing tourism. It also encourages participation of local communities, tourism businesses and other stakeholders. Through improved infrastructure, sustainable practices and local participation, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to create long-term tourism benefits and improve the overall experience of visitors.
Major Objectives:
• To develop selected tourist destinations in an integrated manner.
• To improve the quality of tourist experiences.
• To promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
• To protect natural, cultural and historical resources.
• To encourage local community participation.
• To improve destination infrastructure and management. • To generate employment and income opportunities.
4. PRASHAD :
PRASHAD stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive. It is an important tourism development initiative of the Ministry of Tourism that focuses on the integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations in India. India has a large number of religious, spiritual and heritage destinations that attract pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. However, many destinations require better infrastructure and visitorfacilities to manage increasing tourist numbers. PRASHAD aims to improve these destinations while maintaining their religious, cultural, spiritual and historical importance.
The scheme focuses on providing facilities that make the journey and stay of pilgrims and tourists more convenient and comfortable. These facilities include better access and roads, sanitation, cleanliness, drinking water, lighting, parking, public amenities, tourist information facilities and other visitor services. The development of these facilities improves the overall appearance and management of pilgrimage destinations. At the same time, PRASHAD supports the preservation and presentation of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It also provides opportunities for local communities through accommodation, transportation, food services, handicrafts, guiding and other tourism-related activities.
Major Objectives:
• To develop pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
• To provide better facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
• To improve accessibility, cleanliness and basic amenities. • To preserve cultural, spiritual and historical heritage.
• To improve the overall visitor experience.
• To promote pilgrimage and heritage tourism.
• To support local employment and economic development.
5. DPPH:
DPPH refers to Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality. It focuses on promoting tourism within India and creating awareness about different tourist destinations and tourism products. Domestic tourism is an important part of India’s tourism industry because people travel within the country for holidays, pilgrimage, business, cultural experiences and other purposes. Promoting domestic tourism helps people discover different destinations and encourages them to explore places that may not be widely known. It also supports local tourism businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transport operators, travel agencies, tourist guides, handicraft sellers and other service providers.
Domestic tourism can be promoted through tourism fairs, festivals, exhibitions, cultural events, advertisements, publicity campaigns, workshops, seminars, promotional materials and digital media. These activities provide information about tourist destinations, local attractions, festivals, culture, food, handicrafts and other tourism products. Effective promotion increases tourist interest and encourages travel to different regions of India. It also helps promote local culture and provides income and employment opportunities for local communities.
Major Objectives:
• To promote domestic tourism in India.
• To create awareness about different tourist destinations.
• To promote local tourism products and attractions.
• To support tourism fairs, festivals and promotional events.
• To encourage people to travel within India.
• To promote local culture, traditions and handicrafts.
• To support local tourism businesses and employment.
6. UDAN:
UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik and is the Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Government of India. The scheme was introduced to improve air connectivity to unserved and underserved airports and regions and make air travel more accessible to a larger number of people. Air transportation is extremely important for tourism because it reduces travel time and provides faster access to distant destinations. Many tourist destinations are located far from major cities, and limited transportation facilities can make them difficult to reach. By improving regional air connectivity, UDAN helps connect smaller cities and regions with larger cities and important transport centres.
Improved air connectivity can have a positive impact on tourism development because tourists can reach destinations more quickly and conveniently. Better connectivity can encourage tourist arrivals and support the growth of hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, local transport, tourist guides and other tourism-related businesses. It can also help promote destinations that were previously less accessible and provide new opportunities for local economic development. Thus, UDAN plays an important role in improving accessibility, supporting regional development and creating better opportunities for tourism growth.
Major Objectives :
• To improve regional air connectivity.
• To connect smaller cities and tourist destinations.
• To improve accessibility to unserved and underserved regions.
• To reduce travel time for tourists.
• To encourage tourism development in regional areas.
• To support local employment and economic growth.
• To make air travel more accessible to the public.
Conclusion:
Tourism infrastructure is one of the most important foundations for the development and promotion of tourism. Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, DPPH and UDAN support tourism development in different ways. Swadesh Darshan focuses on tourism circuits and infrastructure, while Swadesh Darshan 2.0 gives greater importance to destination-based and sustainable tourism. PRASHAD supports pilgrimage and heritage destinations, DPPH promotes domestic tourism through publicity and promotional activities, and UDAN improves regional air connectivity. Together, these initiatives improve tourist facilities, accessibility, employment opportunities, local economic development and the overall growth of tourism in India.
KHATHEEJATHUS SAFRA.A
BA. TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (26-29)
ETHIRAJ COLLEGE FOR WOMEN