Vision:

• To develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country.

Mission

• To create a robust framework for integrated development of tourism destinations in partnership with the States/ UTs and local governments for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in the country.

Objectives

The strategic objectives of the Scheme are:

• To enhance the contribution of tourism to the local economies.
• To create jobs including self-employment for local communities.
• To enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality.
• To increase private sector investment in Vision tourism and hospitality.
• To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources.

Tourism-An engine of economic growth

• Travel and tourism sector holds strategic importance in the Indian economy.
• Provides socio-economic benefits

• Employment,
• Income
• Foreign exchange earnings

• development or expansion of other industries such as

• Agriculture,
• Construction,
• Handicrafts

Key Principles

To achieve the vision of sustainable and responsible tourism following principles have been identified:

• Develop benchmarks and standards for major tourism themes.
• Sustainable and responsible tourism.
• Destination and tourist-centric approach.
• Integrated development of tourism destination.
• Focus on Domestic Tourism.
• Policy and Institutional Reforms.
• Operation and maintenance on sustainable basis.
• Synergy with other central and state schemes.

Major Themes

• Culture and Heritage
• Adventure Tourism
• Eco-Tourism
• Wellness Tourism
• MICE Tourism
• Rural Tourism
• Beach Tourism
• Cruises – Ocean & Inland

Policy initiatives for the promotion and development of the tourism sector

• Setting up of Destination Management Organization
• National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI)
• System for Assessment, Awareness and Training for Hospitality Industry (SAATHI)
• Revamping of Star classification and certification schemes for sustainable tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism etc.
• Minimum standards for Homestay / B&B
• Incredible India Website and Mobile Application
• Tourism statistics
• Strategies for development of MICE, Medical and Wellness, Ecotourism, adventure tourism and other niche areas.