The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination, in the global tourism generating markets, to promote various tourism products and destinations of the country. The promotion is carried out through participation in various international travel trade exhibitions, fairs and events; organization of familiarization (FAM) tours for foreign tour operators, media and influencers; organisation of tourism Roadshows, India food festivals; engagement with local tour operators and other industry stakeholders; publicity through social media handles. These activities are undertaken in association with Indian Missions, industry and the State Governments / Union Territory Administrations, including the State Government of Maharashtra.

Further, in order to develop tourism infrastructure in the country, the Ministry under its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD2.0)’, ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)’, ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ provides financial assistance in consultation with the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations.

The number of foreign tourists visits in Maharashtra in last three years is as follows –

(In Million)

2022	2023	2024
1.512	3.388	3.705

Maharashtra accounted for the highest share of foreign tourist visits in India in 2024 at 17.69 percent.

The Ministry regularly holds consultation meetings with the tourism departments of State Governments / Union Territory Administrations including Maharashtra to discuss issues related to the development and promotion of tourism in the country.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 5^th February 2026.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

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