New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday outlined ambitious plans to elevate India's tourism sector, with a focus on developing the country's top 50 tourist destinations.

The union government will develop 50 tourist destination sites in the country in partnership with states through a challenge mode, the minister said in her Budget speech.

Land for building key infrastructure will have to be provided by states, Sitharaman announced while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha.

In a major push for the tourism sector, she also revealed plans to extend Mudra loans to homestays, making travel experiences more accessible and boosting local economies.

Sitharaman emphasised that India's diverse...