Conventional wisdom had it that Gujarat was the land that produced the best tourists. Go to any part of the world and you would hear a
“kem cho” or see a packet of “Khakhras” or a box of “Theplas” being opened. But, the state was no known as a tourist’s destination in its own right.
This changed in 2001 when Shri Narendra Modi assumed office. He wondered how a land that’s blessed with a perfect blend of antiquity (Lothal, Dholavira), medieval marvels (Somanth, Modhera), modernity (Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel), Lord Krishna’s own Dwarka and natural wonders (Gir Lions, Kutch, Mandvi, Saputara) is unable to emerge as a tourist destination in its own right! It is then that Shri Modi embarked on a massive mission to make Gujarat a tourist destination in its own right and today, it is a matter of great pride that Shri Modi’s dream has been fulfilled!
Under the guidance of Shri Modi, the novel efforts of Gujarat Tourism and the State Government have attracted a large number of tourists from across the world. Infact, there has been a quantum jump of 30% in our tourist arrivals from 2009 till 2012! You now have Amitabh Bachchan coming to your living rooms asking you to ‘breathe in a bit of Gujarat!’ The ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ campaigns have inspired so many tourists to visit the state.
There’s a lot to explore in historically and culturally rich Gujarat. Whether you’re fond of ancient history, colourful fairs, famous museums or the sacred temples few days in Gujarat is the perfect choice to collect memories for life time.
Besides the Chief Minister’s keen interest to promote the events like International kite festival, Rann Utsav, Navratri festival, Tarnetar fair, Saputara Monsoon festival have attracted a large number of tourists both nationally and internationally.
From Mandvi to Saputara one can sight various shades of diverse culture, beaches, mountains, art, and a host of vivid cuisines to taste. But the journey of development is unending; Gujarat Tourism is keen to spend Rs 635 crore in developing tourism-related infrastructure over the next three years to magnetize more visitors. Besides, Golf tourism is another significant initiative by the state government to promote golf in Gujarat. Integrated Tourism Development Plan for 37 destinations is in pipeline and 24 eco tourism projects have been taken up at a cost of Rs. 21 crore. These projects include eco-trails, jungle stays, desert safaris etc.
On World Tourism Day, we celebrate the vision of Shri Modi that led to Gujarat becoming the preferred tourist destination for lakhs of people and invite you to visit this breath taking land and experience the hospitality of 6 crore Gujaratis
