Budget 2025–26: Boost for Rajasthan Tourism and Cultural Heritage

IIFA Awards to Enhance Global Branding, Rural Tourism Encouraged

Jaipur – Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari has announced several major initiatives in Budget 2025–26, recognizing Rajasthan’s immense tourism potential.

To develop the tourism sector, the Rajasthan Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund (RTICF) has allocated ₹750 crore for infrastructure projects. Additionally, events such as Travel Bazaars, Cultural Programs, and ‘Rajasthan Calling’ roadshows will be held domestically and internationally to promote Rajasthan on the global stage.

IIFA Awards: A Milestone for Rajasthan Tourism

For the first time, Rajasthan will host the IIFA Awards on March 8–9 in Jaipur, marking a historic moment for the state’s tourism industry. This grand event, supported by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, will boost Rajasthan’s global reputation, making it a premier international travel destination.

₹975 Crore Allocated for Tourism Infrastructure

The budget has earmarked ₹975 crore to elevate tourism activities in the coming year. These funds will be used to develop religious sites with better infrastructure and facilities.

Preserving Heritage & Promoting Cultural Tourism

• Development of 10 Iconic Tourist Destinations to promote heritage tourism.
• ₹100 crore for Night Tourism, including the Shekhawati Haveli Preservation Plan and heritage walks.
• Gavri Devi Art Center in Bikaner to support folk singers, musicians, and traditional arts.
• ₹25 crore for the Renovation of Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur.
• Cultural Portal to document the history of villages and temples.
• Hospitality Skill Centers to be established at divisional headquarters.

₹95 Crore for Religious Tourism

Funds have been allocated for improving facilities at major pilgrimage sites, including Pushkar, Ranthambore Trinetra Ganesh Ji, Jeen Mata, Tanot Mata, Ramdevra, Dau Madanmohan (Bharatpur), and Deshnok Karni Mata (Bikaner).

Beautification of Lakes & Festive Decorations

• Renovation of major lakes, including Triveni Sangam (Beneshwar Dham), Rameshwar Ghat, and Bigod Sangam.
• Special decorations and grand aarti celebrations at 600 temples during Diwali, Holi, and Ram Navami.

Development of Tribal & Rural Tourism

• ₹100 crore allocated for a Tribal Tourist Circuit in tribal-dominated districts.
• 10 villages to be developed with improved tourism infrastructure to promote rural tourism.

Honoring Security Forces & Senior Citizens

• Expansion of the War Museum in Jaisalmer with enhanced facilities.
• Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme: 1,000 elderly pilgrims will be provided air travel, while 50,000 will travel via AC trains.

₹101 Crore for Temple Restoration

• ₹101 crore allocated for upgrading various temples.
• Increase in bhog allowance to ₹3,000 per month and priest salaries to ₹7,500 per month.

Jaipur’s 300th Anniversary Celebration

Jaipur will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2027 with a year-long series of events, including the Govind Dev Ji Art Festival.

Aviation & Transport Development

• Aero City to be developed near Kota Airport.
• Air sports activities to be introduced in Mount Abu and Sirohi.
• Upgradation of 29 airstrips for large aircraft landings.
• Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) to be set up in Pratapgarh, Jhalawar, and Jhunjhunu.
• Hop-on Hop-off bus services to launch in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

Saudh Mati Tribal Heritage Documentation Plan

A project will be initiated to document tribal musical instruments, culinary traditions, sacred sites, historical landmarks, paintings, stone and wood carvings, dance, and folk music.

Promoting Art & Culture Through Paintings

Local artists will create murals and paintings depicting Rajasthan’s art and culture on the walls of major tourist destinations, with ₹35 crore allocated for the initiative.

A New Era for Rajasthan Tourism

With these ambitious Budget 2025–26 initiatives, Rajasthan is set to achieve new milestones in tourism development, strengthening its position as a global cultural and travel hub.