Delhi to Develop Global Tourist Hub and Unity Mall Under Central Schemes

'One State: One Global Destination' is a scheme focused on developing specific states (or in this case, a major city like Delhi) into premier international travel destinations by leveraging their unique assets and infrastructure, often involving significant capital investment. It's about targeted, high-value destination development. 'Dekho Apna Desh' is a campaign aimed at encouraging domestic tourism among Indian citizens. Its primary goal is to promote travel within India, fostering a sense of national pride and boosting local economies through increased internal tourist traffic.

The Global Tourist Hub is being developed under the Centre's 'One State: One Global Destination' scheme. The PM Ekta Mall (Unity Mall) is planned under the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24'.

• •Global Tourist Hub: 'One State: One Global Destination' scheme, ₹500 crore investment, 3-year completion target.
• •Unity Mall: 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24', ₹100 crore allocation.

Delhi, as the capital, offers unparalleled connectivity, existing infrastructure, and a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it an ideal candidate for a 'Global Tourist Hub' to attract international visitors. The timing aligns with the government's intensified focus on tourism and local industry promotion post-pandemic.

• •Alignment with 'Make in India' & 'ODOP': The 'Unity Mall' will serve as a dedicated platform to showcase and sell 'One District One Product' (ODOP) items and other indigenous products from across states. This directly supports local artisans and small businesses, boosting domestic manufacturing and consumption, which are core objectives of 'Make in India'.
• •The 'Global Tourist Hub' will also indirectly support 'Make in India' by creating demand for local goods and services from international tourists.

The core purpose of a 'Unity Mall' is to promote national integration and economic empowerment by providing a common platform for showcasing and selling 'One District One Product' (ODOP) items and other indigenous handicrafts and products from all states and Union Territories of India.

• •Objective Difference: Unlike a regular shopping mall focused on commercial brands and diverse retail, a Unity Mall specifically aims to highlight the unique cultural and industrial heritage of different regions of India.
• •It acts as a hub for local artisans, weavers, and small businesses to reach a wider market, fostering economic growth at the grassroots level and promoting the 'Make in India' initiative.

These projects could significantly reshape Delhi's urban landscape by creating new focal points for tourism and commerce, potentially leading to improved infrastructure and public spaces around these developments.

• •Cultural Identity: The 'Global Tourist Hub' aims to present Delhi as a premier international destination, potentially enhancing its global cultural image. The 'Unity Mall' could act as a microcosm of India's diverse cultural heritage within Delhi, allowing both residents and tourists to experience products from various states in one place, thereby enriching Delhi's multicultural fabric.
• •Challenges: However, it also poses challenges like managing increased tourist footfall, potential gentrification, and ensuring that local communities and existing cultural sites are integrated rather than overshadowed.

These projects are a direct manifestation of the government's consistent focus on leveraging India's cultural and geographical diversity to boost tourism and support local economies. They align with broader initiatives like 'Dekho Apna Desh' and 'One District One Product'.

• •Overall Strategy: The strategy involves developing specific tourist circuits, improving infrastructure, and creating holistic experiences. The 'Global Tourist Hub' aims to attract international visitors, while the 'Unity Mall' strengthens the domestic supply chain and market for local products.
• •Future Trends: We might see more such integrated development projects in other major cities or states, increased public-private partnerships in tourism infrastructure, and a continued emphasis on promoting unique regional products and cultural experiences to both domestic and international audiences.