Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman provides big push for temple towns to promote tourism

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 7th Union Budget emphasizes transforming India into a global tourism hub by developing corridors at Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples and promoting Nalanda as a tourist center. The tourism budget saw a 44.7% increase to Rs 2,449.62 crore for FY24. Key initiatives include supporting Odisha's tourism, promoting spiritual tourism, and improving infrastructure. Despite reduced foreign tourism promotion, the focus remains on domestic tourism and economic growth, highlighting nine priorities such as employment, urban development, and next-generation reforms for India's long-term prosperity.