Rajasthan Implements Tourism and Film Policies to Position State on Global Map

Tourism and cinema policies aligned under a unified development strategy

The Government of Rajasthan implemented the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025 and the Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2025, placing tourism and the creative economy at the centre of the state’s long-term development strategy.

Introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari, the two policies are being positioned as part of a coordinated framework to strengthen Rajasthan’s presence in global tourism and film production.

The state government has indicated that the policies are designed to move beyond Rajasthan’s established image as a heritage destination and to expand its positioning as an experience-led, internationally competitive tourism hub.

The Film Tourism Promotion Policy 2025 focuses on establishing Rajasthan as a preferred filming destination for national and international productions. The government views cinema as a contributor to tourism, investment and employment, with on-screen exposure expected to translate into visitor interest.

Under the policy, feature films, web series, television productions and documentaries shot in Rajasthan are eligible for subsidies of up to 30 per cent of eligible expenditure. Incentives are linked to screen time, minimum shooting days in the state and full in-state production. The policy also includes 100 per cent reimbursement of location permission fees for sites under the control of the state and central governments.

According to Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, the policy aims to build a structured, professional film ecosystem. Planned initiatives include a dedicated online film portal and a Rajasthan Film Directory to provide information on filming locations, artists, technicians and line producers. Additional incentives are proposed for films receiving national and international recognition.

The film policy also includes capacity-building measures, with scholarships for youth from Rajasthan to study at institutions such as the Film and Television Institute of India, the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, and the National School of Drama.

Running alongside this initiative, the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025 outlines the state’s broader tourism roadmap. Released on the occasion of Pravasi Diwas, the policy focuses on positioning Rajasthan as a tourist-friendly destination aligned with changing global travel patterns.

The tourism policy expands the state’s focus beyond heritage tourism to include religious tourism, cultural circuits, adventure tourism, wellness travel, astro-tourism and eco-tourism. Proposed initiatives include pilgrimage circuits such as the Krishna Gaman Path and the Braj–Dwarka, as well as wildlife and nature-based tourism hubs across districts.

Technology integration forms a key component of the policy. Planned measures include three-dimensional laser scanning of monuments, virtual reality-based heritage experiences, digital museums and upgraded light-and-sound shows. A new tourism web portal, mobile application, chatbot services, digital maps and guidebooks are also proposed.

At the district level, District Tourism Development Committees will function as Destination Management Organisations, chaired by District Collectors. These committees will focus on crowd management, local participation and sustainable tourism practices. Tourist safety measures include a 24×7 tourism call centre, Tourist Assistance Force, panic button systems and digital feedback tools.

Infrastructure and connectivity enhancements are also part of the policy framework. Proposed initiatives include hop-on hop-off bus services, prepaid taxi booths, electric mobility options, bicycle rental networks and an integrated Rajasthan Travel Card. Public-private partnership are expected to support tourism investment and employment generation.

Tourism and film industry observers note that the two policies are designed to complement each other, with cinema-driven visibility supporting tourism growth and visitor experiences across the state.