Budget 2024: FM pledges big investments to boost tourism in Lakshadweep

Subhadra Srivastava

10 months ago

NEW DELHI: In her Interim Budget 2024 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised a substantial investment in India’s tourism sector. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep will receive dedicated attention to enhance its tourist infrastructure.

This move is strategic, especially considering the recent diplomatic tensions with the Maldives, traditionally a popular destination for Indian tourists.

The travel and tourism industry, crucial for livelihoods, is a focal point in the 2024-25 budget. Sitharaman, highlighting an increased infrastructure outlay of Rs 11.11 lakh crores, underscored specific projects aimed at improving port connectivity and tourism amenities on islands, with Lakshadweep singled out for special attention.

FLASH: Defence ministry budget sees a substantial increase to 6.2 lakh crore in the latest budget allocation.

Budget allocations for various ministries.
Reports: @urvashikhona #Budget2024 #NirmalaSitharaman pic.twitter.com/OmZMAhlNM8

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) February 1, 2024

ALSO READ: Interim Budget envisions ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘golden moments’ in 5 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep triggered an unexpected surge in interest, marked by developmental announcements and shared moments. However, it also sparked a diplomatic row with neighboring Maldives.

The Maldivian government suspended three deputy ministers after for social media posts targeting PM Modi, criticising him for promoting Lakshadweep as a rival tourist destination. This suspension came after netizens on social media erupted with scrutiny and criticism for the ministers’ comments.

Celebrities from Bollywood and the sports world actively engaged in the discussion, contributing to the discourse for #ExploreIndianIslands. Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kartik Aryan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar expressed outrage over derogatory remarks by Maldives Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna against PM Modi.

ALSO READ: Budget 2024: Key highlights from Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech

FLASH: “We continue in the path of fiscal consolidation as announced in my budget speech in 2021-22 to reduce fiscal deficit below 4.5% by 2025-25. The fiscal deficit of 2024-25 is estimated to be 5.1% of GDP, adhering to that path” : #NirmalaSitharaman, in the #Parliament today.… pic.twitter.com/hlR1U2U0Ya

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) February 1, 2024

The incident however, boosted Lakshadweep’s appeal as a tourist destination. Google searches for Lakshadweep hit an all-time high after Modi’s visit, signalling increased interest. MakeMyTrip reported a staggering 3,400 per cent surge in searches for Lakshadweep on its platform post-Modi’s trip. This unexpected turn positions Lakshadweep as a potential alternative for Indian tourists and underlined the impact of political events on travel preferences.

As Sitharaman directs substantial resources toward tourism, Lakshadweep’s spotlight aligns with the government’s vision for economic growth and the strategic development of key sectors.

The Interim Budget’s emphasis on substantial investments in the tourism sector aligns with the government’s vision for economic growth and strategic development.