Gujarat Tourism showcased the immense potential of investment in Gujarat to the hospitality sector in Kerala, where they can replicate the tourism development activities undertaken in Kerala.
Sanjay Kaul, Commissioner of Tourism and Tourism Corporation of Gujarat MD, met a selected group of hoteliers and tour operators here.
He pointed out that Gujarat offered a wide range of spectacular attractions, where tourism could be developed.
He pointed out that the promotional campaigns launched had made a deep impression and set the foundation for Gujarat’s image as destination for tourism.
Over the past nine years, there was a tremendous growth in arrival of tourists in Gujarat with a growth of 12.13 percent and growth in international arrivals at 24 percent. A study was conducted by the Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Limited, a joint venture between Gujarat Tourism and Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Services Limited (ILFS), on the infrastructure gap existing in various tourist locations in the state.
He pointed out that works related to tourism facilities worth `730 crore is under progress in 22 districts across the state . The Planning Commission for the current Five-Year Plan had sanctioned ` 1,200 crore for the development of coastal tourism.
“The cost of land in Gujarat is very low when compared to other states. The investor can directly negotiate with the land owners and the government will be a facilitator,” Kaul said.
Kaul said that Gujarat is a power surplus state with good road connectivity. There are immense opportunity for ecotourism in the northern parts of the state, he said. Religious tourism is one of the focus of the state, where there are several famous temples and tourism related to Buddhist sites, where the hair of Buddha is preserved, is also gaining popularity.
Kaul also pointed out that the Union Government had sanctioned 20 projects for Gujarat worth `103.74 crore in the 11th Five Year Plan.
The Toran group of hotels operated by the Corporation is being upgraded to the level of three star hotel facilities, keeping in mind the phenomenal increase in the tourist arrivals.
The Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013, where Gujarat Tourism is also a part, will be held at Gandhi Nagar, from January 11 to 13. The summit will provide a platform for the tourism sector stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in the state, he said.