Opportunity in Adversity: Gujarat rolls out new tourism policy for 5 years, focus on unexplored locales

New Delhi: Gujarat government on Tuesday announced ‘New Tourism Policy’ for next 5 years and with an objective to develop and augment tourism in a sustainable manner.

The New Tourism Policy 2021-25 shall be in effect from 1st January, 2021 to 31st March, 2025.

While launching the policy, CM Rupani said, “The New Tourism Policy has been framed keeping in mind the mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ so as to be ‘Vocal for Local’ thereby boosting local employment. The state is gifted geographically. It has hill resorts, natural attractions, beaches etc in addition to a rich legacy of ancient crafts and civilizations.”

With a vision of positioning Gujarat as the foremost tourist destination in India with focus on infrastructure development, investment and employment generation, CM Shri @vijayrupanibjp announces Gujarat Tourism Policy 2021-25 with a wide spectrum of tourism product offerings. pic.twitter.com/jB0LLFCPzT

— CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) January 12, 2021

Gujarat has the World’s Tallest Statue at Kevadia, Gir National Park, India’s first World Heritage City, World’s Biggest Stadium, India’s first seaplane services, India’s first Blue-Flag certified beach, Seema Darshan, in addition to Somanth, Dwarka, Ambaji etc. These places have been attracting tourists from various parts of India and the world.

Gujarat Tourism Policy 2021-25 pic.twitter.com/2ugbAQiPd5

— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) January 12, 2021

Gujarat announced Heritage Tourism in 2020

It is to be noted here that the state government had recently announced the Heritage Tourism Policy to highlight the ancient palaces and heritage places of kings.

Tourists have increased at the rate of 15% CAGR from 2009- 2018 which has crossed the national average of 12%. Gujarat also ranks in the top 10 places for receiving one of the highest numbers of local tourists.

The New Tourism Policy 2021-25 encapsulates various aspects like medical tourism, wellness tourism, MICE tourism, adventure and wildlife tourism, coastal and cruise tourism, rural based experience tourism etc.

The state has truly imbibed the mantra of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and provides a safe and secure environment to tourists from various parts of the globe.

A dedicated tourism desk will be established at each of the international airports of Gujarat.

The new policy will also promote the lesser explored products. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited will sign an MOU with Gujarat State Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited to promote local handicrafts to international tourists.

The state government will also provide necessary assistance and co-operation for marketing the products through Digital Media and the TCGL website will provide a platform for the same.

Local guides to get job for 6 months under ‘Vocal for Local’

Tourist infrastructure will also be established under this policy which includes hotels, convention centres etc. The state government will also assist hotels, resorts and tour operators in finding local guides and tourist guides so as to boost local employment. The state government will provide a monthly remuneration of Rs.4000 per month per person for 6 months to the hotel/resort for employing a local tour guide.

The state government had announced a tourism policy for 2015-20 with a primary focus on providing ambient facilities to tourists in Gujarat. More than 441 applications were received for developing tourism units during the said period. Out of this, more than 286 units became operational as commercial units.