The Ministry of Tourism has relaunched the Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP), introducing a suite of enhanced features aimed at enriching the experience for both domestic and international travelers. The upgraded platform integrates AI-powered tools to offer personalized itineraries, real-time weather updates, local guides, and seamless travel services—bringing India’s vast tourism offerings directly to users’ fingertips.
One of the most striking additions to the IIDP is its virtual showcase of India’s diverse tourism portfolio, covering cultural, adventure, wellness, and rural tourism. Through interactive content and immersive visuals, visitors can explore destinations before setting foot there, making trip planning more engaging and informed.
Since the platform’s relaunch, it has attracted around 26 lakh visitors by July 2025, reflecting growing interest in India’s evolving tourism ecosystem. This digital boost comes at a time when domestic tourism is surging—2024 recorded 294.76 crore domestic tourist visits, marking a 17.36% increase over the previous year.
Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
The Ministry’s digital initiatives are complemented by a strong focus on sustainable tourism through flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), and the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) program. These schemes aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Crucially, they also seek to build capacity and promote entrepreneurship among local communities, women, and youth, ensuring that tourism growth translates into grassroots economic benefits.
Empowering Local Communities
Under the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme, the Ministry is offering targeted training to local communities, women, and tribal groups, equipping them with skills to improve hospitality, guiding, and other tourism services. This approach not only enhances visitor experiences but also creates sustainable livelihoods in rural and semi-urban areas.
Two flagship community initiatives—Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi—are designed to integrate locals, especially women, into tourism-related roles. From guiding tourists to managing homestays, these initiatives empower participants to become ambassadors of their region’s culture and heritage.
A Legacy of Tourism Promotion
The Incredible India brand carries a legacy dating back to 2002, when the Government of India launched it as an international campaign to position India as a must-visit destination. Over the years, the campaign has become synonymous with India’s global tourism identity, showcasing its diversity, traditions, and hospitality.
With the relaunch of the IIDP, the Ministry is now fusing that legacy with cutting-edge technology to meet the expectations of modern travelers. The integration of AI-driven personalization tools ensures that the platform caters to varied interests—whether it’s a wellness retreat in Kerala, an adventure trek in Himachal, or a heritage trail through Rajasthan.
By combining digital innovation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism development, the upgraded Incredible India Digital Platform is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s travel industry. It not only reinforces India’s position as a world-class destination but also ensures that tourism becomes a driver of inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility.
