Gujarat drawing tourists in droVes
Gujarat is bestowed with great geographical diversity, from the ethereal saltencrusted desert to the expansive wetlands, pristine beaches to languid valleys, arid grasslands to lush forests. From Dholavira, one of the first cities in the world, to the first prototype of “Smart City” in India, Gujarat has it all.
Tourists here soak in the rich cultural diversity, indulge in the various fairs and festivals, savour the cuisine and take back fond memories of their visits which they relish for a lifetime. The popular marketing campaign titled “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” has generated a lot of interest in the tourists. This has also contributed to the ever-increasing tourist flow into the state. The same during 2014-15 was 32.7 million which was 13.56% higher than that of the previous year.
The diversity in tourism assets is matched by a robust infrastructure base. Strategi- cally located on the west coast of India, Gujarat is well connected to some of the major cities of the world by air and sea routes. It has one of the highest number of airports and airstrips numbering 17 in all — including an international airport at Ahmedabad. Further, with a strong port infrastructure backbone, it has some 42 ports along a 1,600 km coastline, over 5,000 km of rail network, about 77,000 km of motorable roads, 24 x 7 power supply and above all an enviable law-and-order situation. After detailed deliberations and consultations with the state administrative departments and various stakeholders concerned, the state government has announced the Tourism Policy for Gujarat (2015-2020). The new policy aims to position Gujarat as a vibrant tourist destination, with an emphasis on improving visitor experience, livelihood linkages, environmental concerns and enhancing investment opportunities, thus catapulting tourism as one of the most important economic drivers, leading to sustainable development and inclusive growth in the state.
Various concessions and incentives have been provided to the hospitality sector in the Tourism Policy to attract investments, both national and international, to help realise the goals of “Make in India”. An enabling mechanism will be put in place to ensure facilitation for investment in the tourism sector through this policy, over and above the provisions under the “Gujarat Industrial Policy - 2015”. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 is expected to provide a major boost to tourism in Gujarat and Gujarat Tourism is leaving no stones unturned to capitalise on the event and attract investments into several projects in the state. The tourism department, in a bid to develop the tourism potential of Gujarat, is banking on several projects including a giant wheel and a floating restaurant on the Sabarmati Riverfront, watersports facilities in Dwarka, Surat and Valsad and airstrips in Morbi and Palitana.
The tourism department has projected an investment of about Rs 88 crore for the giant wheel, on the lines of London recreation zones, and prepared a creative presentation to attract new investors. The floating restaurant is estimated to require an investment of Rs 25 crore. The tourism department is looking for investors to start aerosports facility in Amreli, focusing on building hangers and other suitable facilities.
Sant Nagri — the city of saints — in Dwarka is another project that will be highlighted at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017. The project aims to put on display the life and messages of over 2,300 saints in the country. The tourism department has prepared presentations with a tentative location in Vadali Taluka of Sabarkantha. A theme park based on augmented reality will also be part of the tourism department’s presentation. The es- timated cost of this project is Rs 200 crore. The tourism department intends to attract Rs 2,500 crore in investments with projects such as 3D theatre at the Balasinor Dinosaur Park, cruise facility along Gujarat’s coast, skill development and hospitality training centre in Siddhpur at an estimated cost of Rs 90 crore and Rs 61 crore worth funicular transport facility in Chotila. A wildlife eco- tourism project is one of the most ambitious projects that the department will present at the summit. The project involves developing campsites and adventure activity at various wildlife destinations including Gir National park, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Marine National Park, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary and Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Several dam sites, waterfalls and hill stations of the state have also been identified for the ecotourism circuit. The International Kite Festival 2017 will be held between 8-14 January 2017 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad. It will involve kite flying and demostration by national and international kitists. Some of the attractions of the festival are a Theme Pavilion on Tourist Destinations of Gujarat, kite making workshop, adventure activities, 360o VR display, a craft bazaar and food stalls.
While Gujarat governor O.P. Kohli will inaugurate the festival, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will be the Chief Guest.