PROMOTION OF RURAL TOURISM

**Executive Summary** This document outlines the Ministry of Tourism's initiatives to promote rural tourism across India, including the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme and specific programs for homestay development in tribal areas. Key deadlines include the launch of 'Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi' on September 27, 2024. The document also details MUDRA Loan guidelines for homestays and lists sanctioned projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. **Key Points / Main Content** **Rural Tourism Promotion Initiatives** * Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including rural tourism, are undertaken by respective State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. * The Ministry of Tourism promotes India holistically through schemes like 'Swadesh Darshan', 'PRASHAD', and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development'. * Financial assistance is provided to State Governments/UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in rural, backward, and tribal areas. * Rural Circuit was identified as a thematic circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. * Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) aims to develop sustainable and responsible destinations with a destination-centric approach. * 'Challenge Based Destination Development' is a sub-scheme of SD2.0 to enhance tourist experience and transform destinations. * A National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India has been formulated and circulated to all States/UTs. **Homestay Development in Tribal Areas** * Guidelines have been issued for the 'Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas' under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan. * The objective is to promote responsible tourism and enhance livelihoods for tribal communities through homestay development. * Initiatives include technical upskilling and training for homestay owners. * Support is available for developing 1000 homestays: up to ₹5 lakh for village community requirements, up to ₹5 lakh per household for two new rooms, and up to ₹3 lakh per household for renovating existing rooms. **Financial Assistance and Loans for Homestays** * A separate category for homestays has been introduced in the PMMY (MUDRA) Loan scheme from Budget Announcement 2025-26. * Homestays in rural areas are eligible for these MUDRA loans. * A workshop on MUDRA Loan for Homestays was conducted on September 11, 2025, in New Delhi. * A booklet, 'Guide to MUDRA Loans for Homestays', was launched on September 27, 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. * Stakeholders can access MUDRA loans for homestay units through the Jan Samarth Portal. **National Responsible Tourism Initiative** * The 'Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi' initiative was launched on September 27, 2024. * This initiative focuses on training women and youth to gain employment in the tourism sector, particularly as homestay owners. **Sanctioned Projects under Rural Circuit** * The annexure details projects sanctioned under the Rural Circuit of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. * Projects include the 'Development of Bhitiharwa-Chandrahia-Turkaulia' in Bihar (sanctioned ₹44.27 crore) and the 'Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project' in Kerala (sanctioned ₹57.35 crore). **Impact Analysis** **State Governments / Union Territory Administrations** * **Impact:** Will receive financial assistance and guidelines for developing rural tourism infrastructure and promoting homestays in tribal areas. They will play a key role in formulating proposals and implementing projects. * **Action Required:** Formulate proposals as per the guidelines for 'Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas' and other rural tourism initiatives. Implement sanctioned projects. **Tribal Communities** * **Impact:** Will benefit from enhanced livelihood opportunities and potential for economic development through the establishment and promotion of homestays in their areas. Technical upskilling and training will be provided. * **Action Required:** Participate in training programs and leverage opportunities for developing and operating homestays. **Homestay Owners (Rural and Tribal Areas)** * **Impact:** Can avail MUDRA loans for their homestay businesses. Will receive training and upskilling opportunities, enabling them to gainful employment and improve their offerings. * **Action Required:** Utilize the 'Guide to MUDRA Loans for Homestays' and the Jan Samarth Portal to access loans. Participate in training programs under the 'Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi' initiative. **Women and Youth** * **Impact:** Will receive special emphasis on training under the 'Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi' initiative, enabling them to secure gainful employment as homestay owners. * **Action Required:** Participate in the training programs offered by the Ministry of Tourism. **Ministry of Tourism** * **Impact:** Will facilitate the development and promotion of rural tourism through various schemes, financial assistance, and policy formulations. * **Action Required:** Continue to implement and monitor the effectiveness of the outlined schemes and initiatives. **Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services)** * **Impact:** Collaborated on the launch of the 'Guide to MUDRA Loans for Homestays', indicating a role in the financial support framework for homestays. * **Action Required:** Continue to support and facilitate the MUDRA loan scheme for homestays.

Key Entities Referenced