Union Budget 2025: FM Nirmala Sitharaman Focuses On Tourism With Visa Waiver And Mudra Loans
(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Finance Minister Nirmala, while presenting the Union Budget 2025, announced visa waivers for certain foreign tourist groups. In her budget speech, FM Sitharama said,“The government will also introduce streamlined e-visa facilities and visa fee waivers for select tourist groups to attract international visitors.”
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Reaffirming the focus on spiritual and heritage tourism set in the Budget last July, Sitharaman also highlighted the special initiatives for sites associated with Gautama Buddha's life.
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The Finance Minister added that the government will also provide mudra loans to homestays, and ." She emphasised tourism as a driver of employment-led growth and unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering infrastructure, skill development,improving ease of travel and connectivity to tourist destinations.
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Sitharaman said that the top 50 tourist destinations in the country will be developed in partnership with states in a "challenge mode", emphasising tourism as a driver of employment-led growth. She also unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering infrastructure, skill development and ease of travel.
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Presenting her eighth straight Union Budget , Sitharaman said the government will promote homestays by extending Mudra loans and improve connectivity to tourist spots to enhance accessibility.
"The state governments will be responsible for providing land to build essential infrastructure. To further boost tourism, hotels in the key destinations will be included in the harmonised infrastructure list, ensuring better access to financing and development support," she said.
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