Gujarat to develop tourism infrastructure, tourist facilities
across State at Rs. 730 crores
***
- Excellent growth in tourist arrival, domestic & internationally
- International Kite flying event in Delhi on 7th January
New Delhi: With
five million tourists visiting Gujarat in last two years, Gujarat Government has
laid an outlay of Rs 730 crores to develop its tourism infrastructure related
to tourist facilities under progress in 22 districts across the State, said
Shri Vipul Mittra Principal Secretary (Tourism).
Gujarat tourism has build up a
three-pronged strategy to develop tourism sector—infrastructure, promotion and
policy. The Tourism of Gujarat Corporation Limited (TGCL) is focusing on
developing infrastructure and systematic planning for promotion of different
popular destinations of Gujarat under the banner of Khushboo Gujarat Ki, Shri
Mittra apprised at an interactive session held with Delhi based tour operators
here.
Gujarat is perhaps the only
state which has done an in-depth study on the infrastructure gap existing in
the various tourist locations across the State. The micro-level study was
carried out by Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd., a joint venture company formed
between Gujarat Tourism and ILFS (Infrastructure Leasing &
Financial Services Limited).
Shri Mittra said that “Khushboo
Gujarat Ki” campaign with Mr Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador has
immensely contributed to the huge tourist influx to Gujarat with an increase of
54 lakhs visitors in last two years. Through “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” campaign
Gujarat Tourism has been successful in marketing key destinations of the State,
he added.
Gujarat has the longest
coastline of 1600 kms. The Planning Commission for the current five year plan
has sanctioned Rs. 1200 crores for development of Coastal Tourism. Ministry of
Tourism, Government of India has also sanctioned total 20 projects for Gujarat
worth Rs.103.74 crores in the 11th Five Year Plan. The upcoming
Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013 being organized between 11-13th January
at Gandhinagar will provide great investment opportunities in tourism sector. Shri
Mittra invited stakeholders of tourism industry to participate in the mega
business event.
Gujarat is fast emerging as a popular
tourist destination with Lonely Planet voting Gujarat as one of the 10
most unsung places in the world. Last month, Gujarat won two coveted awards-- Best
Tourism Board by CNBC Travel Awards-2012 and Runners up award for best
emerging destination in India by Conde
Nast Traveller, India.
Over the past nine years, the
overall tourist arrival in Gujarat has grown at the Compounded Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) of 12.13 per cent with excellent growth in international arrivals at CAGR
24 per cent.
The ongoing Rann Utsav in
the white desert in Kutchh has been a stupendous success being a completely
sold out event with 100 per cent bookings for its packages till 31st
January 2013. Shri Mittra said that Gujarat Government is planning to rope in
private players to enhance possibility of profit and promotion of tourism
through this exotic destination which is fast becoming a popular attraction
both nationally and internationally.
As part of the International
Kite Festival, which is celebrating its 25th glorious year, Gujarat
Tourism is organizing a Kite flying event in Delhi and Mumbai on January 7th,
2013. Around 30 kite enthusiasts from 13 countries (Ukraine, China, Italy,
Cambodia, Switzerland, Spain, Netherland, UK, Malaysia, S.Korea, Lebanon, and
Indonesia) will showcase their skills and kites in different shapes and sizes
in the event slated on 7th January 2013, bringing a visual delight
to Delhiites.
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