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, said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
In a view to develop and augment tourism in a sustainable manner in the state, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on January 12 unveiled the ‘New Tourism Policy 2021-25’. According to a press statement issued by the state government, the New Tourism Policy 2021-25 shall be in effect from 1st January 2021 to 31st March 2025.
While launching the policy, 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 civilisations.”
The New Tourism Policy has been envisaged for not only attracting new investments in the state but also giving high priority to tourism centres by offering lucrative incentives, the statement read.
The new policy promises special incentives on large-scale tourism projects while aiming to introduce new avenues like caravan tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) tourism and rural-based experience tourism, Rupani said.
Incentives for setting up tourism projects in the state will apply to only those projects that come up in the high priority tourism centres identified across 25 districts of the state under the policy, he added.
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 Somnath, Dwarka, Ambaji, etc. These places have been attracting tourists from various parts of India and the world, the statement said.
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 statement read.
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 statement said.
The new policy will also promote the lesser-explored products. In this regard, 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 statement informed.
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, it added.
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 to boost local employment. The state government will provide a monthly remuneration of ₹4000 per month per person for 6 months to the hotel/resort for employing a local tour guide, the statement read.
