**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1289 on July 28, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism addressed the initiative announced in Budget 2025 to develop the top 50 tourist destination sites in India through a challenge mode, in partnership with State Governments. The initiative entails the selection of 50 top tourist destinations based on criteria encompassing the potential of the destinations, the preparedness of State/Local Governments, and the possibility of private investment. State Governments are responsible for providing land for building key infrastructure. Hotel infrastructure in these destinations will be included under the Harmonised Master List (HML). Discussions regarding the criteria have been held with State Governments/Union Territories and other stakeholders. The Ministry has received proposals from State Governments, including the State Government of Karnataka. The status of specific proposals, including whether Mangaluru or any site in Dakshina Kannada has been proposed or shortlisted, is being assessed.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in the country.
Budget 2025: The annual financial statement of the Government of India for the fiscal year 2025, which includes initiatives for the development of tourist destinations.
Top 50 tourist destination sites: The 50 most important tourist locations in India that will be developed through a challenge mode in partnership with State Governments.
State Governments: The governments of the individual states within India, which will partner with the Union government in the development of tourist destinations.
Harmonised Master List HML: A list of infrastructure projects, including hotel infrastructure, that are eligible for incentives.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Tourism.
State Government of Karnataka: The government of Karnataka, which has submitted proposals for tourist destination development.
Dakshina Kannada: A district in Karnataka, potentially containing sites proposed for tourist destination development.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1289
ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATION
1289. SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the initiative announced in Budget 2025 to develop the
top 50 tourist destination sites in the country through a challenge
mode in partnership with the State Governments;
(b) the criteria and process adopted for selection of these destinations,
and the role of State Governments in providing land and facilitating
infrastructure;
(c) whether the identified destinations include hotel infrastructure under
the Harmonised Master List (HML) of infrastructure and the incentives
associated therewith and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has received any proposals from the State
Government of Karnataka under this initiative and if so, whether
Mangaluru or any site in Dakshina Kannada proposed or shortlisted,
along with the current status of such proposals?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (d): The Union budget for the year 2025-26 mentions that ‘Top 50
tourist destination sites in the country will be developed in partnership with
states through a challenge mode. Land for building key infrastructure will
have to be provided by states. Hotels in those destinations will be included
in the infrastructure Harmonized Master List (HML). Discussions have been
held with the State Governments/UTs and other stakeholders with regard to
the criteria.
The criteria for selection of destination under the initiative would
broadly encompass the potential of the destinations, preparedness of the
State/Local Governments, the possibility of private investment etc.
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