Gujarat banks on its heritage
As the state’s ranking on domestic tourist arrivals goes up to ninth with a total growth rate of 17.02 per cent, N. Srivastava, Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, elaborates on the latest tourism offerings and highlights the developments t
QHow did tourism in Gujarat fare in 2015? Tourism in the state has improved compared to 2014-2015. A total of 3.8 crore visitor arrivals were registered in 2015-2016 giving a growth rate of 17.02 per cent. We are now among the top 10 states in the country for domestic tourism and rank ninth. The previous year, we ranked at 11th so there has been a good improvement in the past year.
QWhat are the latest offerings of Gujarat Tourism? We are majorly promoting three destinations this monsoon. The Sasan Gir National Park usually gets the highest footfall during winter or summer but this year, we are promoting the peripheral part of the park during the rains. This gives tourists an entirely different experience amidst the lush green forest. Additionally, the park is in close proximity to Somanth Temple and since it is the holy month of
several people visit the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva which makes for a meaningful trip. We have also started a monsoon festival in Narmada district, a tribal area in Gujarat. There, we have created three eco-tourism sites showcasing the greenery and waterfalls located in the region. Apart from that, Saputara, the only hill station in the state is being endorsed as a monsoon getaway.
QAre you looking at introducing lesser-known destinations as well?
Yes there are a few such places that have huge potential to become popular tourist hubs but need ample infrastructure development. Rani ki Vav in Patan is one such place that can be formed into a heritage destination. Patan was the capital of Gujarat during the ancient times and boasts mesmerising architecture. Siddhpur, also in Patan district, has religious significance and is home to the native Vora community. There are over 100 houses of the community which dates back to the 18th century. Vadnagar, the native home of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will also be developed into a heritage town soon.
What’s more, there are 13 important locations related to Buddhism which is being developed into a Buddhist circuit. Several relics of Lord Buddha were found in Devni Mori and through the circuit, it will be portrayed as a major Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
QWhat is being done to improve infrastructure in the state? Under Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Gandhi themed-heritage circuit was recently approved which will cover the sites of Ahmedabad (Kochrab Ashram,Sabarmati Ashram,Dandi bridge) Rajkot (Alfred High School, Kaba Gandhi no Delo, Rashtriya Shala ), Porbandar (Kirti Mandir), Bardoli (Sardar Patel Museum) and Dandi (Gandhi Smriti railway station, Karadi village, Dandi Memorial). The total cost of the project is estimated at ` 80 crore.
We are also developing Dandi-Salt route that is targeted at students to educate them. Projects under Prasad scheme are also underway – there are a few developments in Dwarka along with a project in Narmada River called Namrada Parikrama. Here, we will be offering cruises right till the end of the dam which lies near the Madhya Pradesh border.
Eight sites in tribal areas have been identified for development under ecotourism as we want to add variety to the tourism experience and showcase the whole state.
QIn terms of investment, what are some of the potential areas that can be developed?
Gujarat has a lot of land across various districts that can be utilised for tourism purposes. We have identified around 25 such plots in the first phase for the development of hotels, theme parks, resorts, water parks, etc. through PPP mode. So far, eight projects on way-side amenities have been approved and given for private operation. This is valid initially for five years and extendable up to another five years. We have also given three Greenfield areas for development of hotels above 3-star for 35 years, extendable to another 35 years.
QTell us about some of the events in pipeline? A film-making seminar titled ‘Cinematic Tourism: the Way Forward’ is being held on August 29 in Gandhinagar for which we have invited big personalities from the film industry. Film tourism is one segment that we really want to tap. Apart from that on Sept 27, eve of World Tourism Day, a seminar titled ‘PPP Initiatives in Tourism’ will be held to drive investments. We are conducting these two seminars as a preevent initiative of Vibrant Gujarat. From October 1, the Navratri festival commences and is conducted in a big manner. It is a very festive month and takes place throughout the state. Thereafter, the tourism season begins in full swing and we have the Rann Utsav in Kutch, International Kite Festival in eight cities in Gujarat, taking place one after another.
QHow do you plan to promote all these initiatives? Since social media has become one of the strongest mediums, we are very active on it. Apart from that, we are also conducting promotions through print and digital media.