Gujarat government to set up new tourism policy

According to a report, the Gujarat government will soon come up with a new tourism policy to tap the huge potential sector. While addressing ‘Gujarat Tourism Summit 2009,’ organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently, Jayanarayan Vyas, Minister of tourism and health and family welfare said, ''We will unveil the new tourism policy in two months. The new policy will aim to place Gujarat as a top tourist location in the world in five years.''

He said that the state government will invest Rs 500 crore at Ambaji and Saputara in coming three-four years. Paragliding at Pavagadh and Saputara will promote adventure tourism and in addition to that, wildlife and agro tourism will also be promoted. Kishor Rao D, Former Tourism Secretary and Director-General, Gujarat Establishment Golden Jubilee Secretariat said, ''Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh at the national level and Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia on an international level are the competitors of Gujarat in terms of tourist location. Government of Gujarat is planning to pump in around Rs 172 crore in 2009 compared to Rs 34 crore in 2005. We plan to reach second rank in terms of hospitality in coming years.''

Participants during the summit pointed out a few issues like establishing more budget hotels, creating special tourism zones, eco-tourism, theme-based tourism, rural tourism and developing night life. Ashwin Gandhi, Chairman, CII’s Gujarat Tourism Summit 2009 said, ''The government of Gujarat has taken CII as partner in tourism development and this summit is the beginning of a new horizon for Gujarat tourism.'' Speakers highlighted issues like creation of Gujarat Travel Mart, proper branding of the state tourism, creating awareness among the stakeholders on all tourism forums, creating more infrastructure through PPP model, rural heritage development and special entertainment zones.