<h1>State raises tourism budget 20% for Vision 2031: health, pilgrimage, cruise tourism, conventions, sustainable year-round infrastructure</h1> The state government increased the tourism department's budget by 20% and announced policy measures under a Vision 2031 framework emphasizing health, pilgrimage and cruise tourism, international convention centres, and sustainable, year-round infrastructure development. A seasonal allocation of Rs 250 crore for pilgrimage road maintenance was disclosed and a startup-model financing scheme for hotel projects up to Rs 50 crore is nearing finalisation. Officials signalled use of modern technology, including AI, in planning and skills development and committed to community-led upgrades of identified destinations to meet international standards and support local employment.