Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced Rs 30,000 crore worth of road projects for Rajasthan, including a Jaipur Ring Road and a Kotputli-Agra expressway. He urged the state government to allocate 40 per cent of developed land near the Jaipur bypass to farmers and promote green technologies like ethanol production. Gadkari also envisioned Rajasthan adopting electric buses and seaplanes, utilizing its numerous lakes.
The hospitality industry in Rajasthan, particularly in cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, is grappling with a significant decline in tourist arrivals during the Diwali season. Despite efforts to attract domestic travelers, footfalls have dropped by 25-50 percent compared to the previous year, leaving industry experts puzzled about the reasons behind this unexpected slump.
With the tourism season starting on October 1, Rajasthan expects a boost in both domestic and foreign visitors. Key events, including weddings and the Rising Rajasthan summit, are anticipated to bolster the industry's performance. Hotel tariffs are set to increase by 15-20 per cent, driven by dynamic pricing over traditional seasonal rates.
Rajasthan's Tourism Development Corporation has secured a long-term loan of INR 415 crore from HUDCO at a 9.12% interest rate. The fund aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, including pilgrimage sites and monuments, with the state aligning its efforts with central government initiatives. Development efforts will focus on improving tourist experiences and accelerating growth in the tourism sector.
Bhajan Lal Sharma, the chief minister of Rajasthan, aims to boost the state's development through capital expenditure, new policies, and attracting investments. His government plans for new industrial and tourism policies and various sectoral policies. Upcoming investments in renewable energy and cement sectors are expected to generate over a million job opportunities. The state will hold the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in December.
The Rajasthan Tourism, Art, and Culture Department will take over the Gandhi Darshan Museum in Jaipur from October 2. A committee will be formed to enhance its operations and promote Mahatma Gandhi's values. The museum will feature digital exhibits on Gandhi's life and movements against British rule, aiming to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari announced that the state's new tourism unit policy will soon be implemented. The policy aims to make Rajasthan the top destination for various types of tourism, including weddings, eco-tourism, and wildlife tourism. Efforts are being made to ensure quality facilities, security, and cleanliness for both domestic and foreign tourists.
The Indian Heritage Hoteliers Association (IHHA) urges the Union government to adopt a national heritage tourism policy similar to Rajasthan's. The IHHA's 11th Annual Convention will discuss this and other issues like improving infrastructure and connectivity around tourist sites. The event will be held on September 19-20 in Tamil Nadu.
Finance minister Diya Kumari's Budget for 2024-25 introduces significant initiatives for Rajasthan's development. Key highlights include massive funding for water connections, healthcare staffing, expressway construction, and tourism revitalization. The focus on neglected sectors and innovative proposals signal a shift towards sustainable growth. With allocations for various industries and infrastructure projects, Kumari aims to boost the state's economy and heritage preservation.
"We had made a lot of announcements in (State) Budget. A lot of focus will be on tourism. Our double-engine government is going to implement PM's vision for the country, in Rajasthan - that more and more tourists come to Rajasthan and the state becomes the number one tourist destination in the country. We have given a lot of attention to infrastructure too," Diya Kumari said.
A total of 32.44 crore domestic tourists visited Rajasthan from January 2020 to December 2023. On the other hand, over 22.20 lakh foreign tourists visited the desert state to witness its historical heritage during the same period. In 2021, 2.19 crore domestic and 34,806 foreign tourists visited the state, while in 2022, it played host to 10.83 crore domestic and 39,684 foreign tourists.
Get updates on your preferred social platform
Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more.
