Tourism & destination development
Tourism is a shared responsibility. The Union Ministry of Tourism frames policy and funds schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD; States and Union Territories own and operate most destinations. The stated objective announced in the 2025-26 Union Budget is to develop 50 top destinations as world-class, integrated and sustainable hubs.
Addressed the Ministry of Tourism’s National Consultative Workshop on developing destinations to global standards at Kevadia, Gujarat, on 11 May 2026. Listed in the Lok Sabha on 16 March 2026 to report action taken on a Standing Committee report on niche and spiritual tourism.
On Thrissur’s Swadesh Darshan projects: “If Thrissur gets a project worth Rs 99.7 crore under Swadesh Darshan, that translates directly into the lives of the people.” — to reporters in Thrissur, 17 September 2026.