New Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism has signed a non-commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Netflix Entertainment Services India to promote India’s tourism destinations worldwide through cinematic storytelling, the government informed Parliament on Monday.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the collaboration aims to highlight the country’s natural landscapes, cultural assets and heritage sites, including those in Gujarat, using the OTT platform’s global reach.
He was responding to a query on whether the government had partnered with Netflix for visual storytelling and on-screen promotion of Indian destinations.
Shekhawat said the MoU is intended to position India’s diverse attractions before an international audience and strengthen tourism visibility through curated content.
Responding to a separate question, the minister said the Centre has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal communities, under which 1,000 homestays will be developed across the country.
States are eligible for assistance of up to Rs. 5 crore for creating 5–10 homestays per village in clusters of five to six villages, as per the scheme guidelines.
States and Union Territories are also promoting homestays independently, he added, citing examples such as the Sikkim Mega Homestay Project, Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy 2025–2030, Goa’s Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, and Tripura’s ‘Paryatan Sahayak Prakalp’.
In another reply, Shekhawat said the revamped Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) has been launched as a comprehensive resource for travellers and tourism stakeholders.
The platform offers virtual experiences across cultural, heritage, adventure, wellness, gastronomic and rural tourism, and uses AI tools to personalise recommendations with real-time updates and essential travel services.
The portal has tied up with online travel agents for integrated booking options for flights, hotels, cabs, buses and tickets to ASI monuments.
Shekhawat also said the ministry’s Incredible India 2.0 campaign marks a shift from general promotions to thematic offerings in key global markets to attract international tourists.
The government continues to promote India as a holistic tourism destination with an emphasis on sustainability, responsible tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) promotion through digital and physical outreach.
