Union Budget 2023: Rs 2400 crores allocated to Ministry of Tourism

The Union Minister of Tourism, Shri G. Kishan Reddy expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for the continued focus placed on the development of large infrastructure, connectivity and border linkages, which will play a major role in boosting tourism in India. The 'Dekho Apna Desh' initiative of the Ministry of Tourism also got a well-deserved spotlight in the Union Budget speech, highlighting the importance of domestic tourism in boosting the local economy.

The Union Budget 2023-24 has been announced, highlighting Tourism as one of the major sectors contributing to the overall economy of the country. Emphasizing the fact that the country has immense attractions for both domestic and foreign tourists, the Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Seetharaman, stated that the sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship for youth in particular and stated that promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode, with active participation of states, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships.

Out of the total Rs. 2400 crores allocated in Union Budget 2023-24 to the Ministry of Tourism, a major portion of the outlay amounting to Rs. 1742 crore is allocated for development of Tourism infrastructure & an amount of Rs. 242 crore for promotion and branding.

Uttar Pradesh hosted the 7th edition of UP Bird and Nature Festival

The Uttar Pradesh forest department along with its ecotourism division hosted the seventh edition of the 'UP Bird and Nature Festival', starting February 1st to 3rd. The three-day festival, at Vijaysagar bird sanctuary in Mahoba district, witnessed participation of national and international experts in the fields of birding, nature conservation, and wildlife tourism and photography. It was previously known as the 'UP Bird Fair'.

Prime Minister flagged off World's Longest River Cruise-MV Ganga Vilas at Varanasi