Aug 8, 2025: The Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) has been updated and launched by the Ministry of Tourism as a comprehensive resource for tourists and stakeholders to explore the country's diverse attractions, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
The upgraded platform offers virtual experiences of destinations across categories such as cultural, heritage, adventure, gastronomical, wellness, art and craft, and rural tourism. Real-time weather updates, city exploration features, and essential travel services are all included in the AI-powered tool that it incorporates to personalize visitor experiences. Up until July 2025, the platform has received approximately 26 lakh visitors since its launch. In 2024, the country saw 294.76 crore domestic tourist visits, a 17.36 percent increase from 2023. The Ministry continues to promote sustainable tourism through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), and Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD). These initiatives aim to build capacity among local communities, women and youth, while encouraging entrepreneurship.

Additionally, under the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme, efforts are being made to enhance skills and employability in the tourism and hospitality sector, with a focus on local communities, women and tribal groups.

As part of this, the Ministry has rolled out the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi initiatives to empower locals, particularly women, in tourism-related roles.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.