The Ministry of Tourism has introduced a series of measures aimed at improving transparency, service delivery, and the overall travel experience in India, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
To streamline processes, the Ministry has implemented an online system for the classification of accommodation units and recognition of tourism service providers through the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI+). The platform allows applications to be submitted, processed, and approved digitally, and is integrated with a payment gateway to ensure efficiency and transparency.
In a move to enhance tourist safety, the Ministry operates a 24×7 multi-lingual Tourist Helpline accessible via toll-free number 1800111363 or short code 1363. The helpline is available in 12 languages, including 10 international languages, and offers assistance, information, and support to domestic and foreign travellers.
Further strengthening policy support, the Ministry released a Handbook on Industry Status to the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in September 2024, which has been shared with states and Union Territories for integration into their tourism policies.
On the international front, India’s e-Visa facility has been expanded to nationals of 175 countries, with entry permitted through 33 designated airports, 19 seaports, and four land ports.
The government has also introduced a revised Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure effective September 22, 2025, aimed at making travel more affordable. GST on hotel rooms priced below ₹7,500 per day has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent without input tax credit, while GST on buses with more than 10 seats has been lowered from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. Additionally, GST on art and cultural goods has been cut from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, and several food items and hospitality-related goods now attract lower or nil tax rates.
