Parliament Question: Development of Tourist Destinations in Maharashtra

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5932 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA 5932.SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL: PROF. VARSHA EKNATH GAIKWAD: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has undertaken initiatives to identify and develop major tourist destinations in Maharashtra for promotion of tourism and attracting foreign tourists during the last five years and the current year; (b) if so, the details thereof, year-wise; (c) whether the Government is aware of an increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Maharashtra during the said period and if so, the details thereof, year-wise; (d) whether globally known heritage sites such as Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are being further promoted internationally; (e) whether the Government has taken any steps to develop coastal tourism, eco-tourism and cultural circuits in Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof; and (f) the details of measures taken/being taken to improve tourism infrastructure, connectivity, digital promotion and visitor facilities to further boost foreign tourist inflow in the said State? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (f): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and tourism products is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments/ UT Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ complements the efforts of State Governments/UT Administrations in their tourism infrastructure development including last-mile connectivity to destinations andamenities across the country at tourist destinations including coastal tourism, eco-tourism and cultural circuits in Maharashtra by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations. This financial assistance is extended, subject to availability of funds, adherence to scheme guidelines and other instructions issued from time to time, submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by the concerned State Governments / UT Administrations, etc. In addition to these, Ministry of Tourism promotes various tourist destinations and products of India holistically including heritage sites such as Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves etc. to position India as a preferred tourism destination in the tourism generating markets and to increase India’s share in the global tourism market. The objectives are met through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergized campaign in association with the Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas. The promotional activities include participation in Travel Fairs and Exhibitions; organizing Road Shows, India Evenings, Seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; offering brochure support to tour operators, global media campaigns and joint advertising/joint promotions with airlines, tour operators and other organizations etc. The Foreign Tourist arrivals in the State of Maharashtra during the year 2020-2024 is as under: S. No. Year FTV 1 2020 1,262,409 2 2021 185,643 3 2022 1,511,623 4 2023 3,387,739 5 2024 3,705,170 The details of projects sanctioned under Costal Tourism, in the State of Maharashtra through central sector scheme of Swadesh Darshan is as under: Circuit/Sanction Name of the Project Amount Year Sanctioned (in ₹ Crore) Coastal Circuit Development of Sindhudurg Coastal 19.06 2015-16 Circuit - Sagareshwar, Tarkarli, Vijaydurg (Beach & Creek), Mitbhav ********