India, Feb. 1 -- Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a plan to develop 50 tourist destinations across India in coordination with state governments to expand tourism, generate employment, and improve infrastructure. In her budget speech, Sitharaman referred to tourism for employment-led growth.

"...50 tourist destination sites will be developed in the country in partnership with the states...," she said. She added states will provide land for key infrastructure needed.

She spoke about loans, improving ease of connectivity, and performance-linked incentives to states for effective destination management, tourist amenities, cleanliness, and marketing. Sitharaman said streamlined e-visa facilities and visa fee wa...