Chief minister Vijay Rupani announced Gujarat's new tourism policy for 2021-2025 with a special focus on attracting new investments in the state’s 'high priority tourism centres' by offering lucrative incentives. “We want to give more importance on world class tourism this time. And I am confident that with this policy, Gujarat will be a global choice for tourists,” Rupani said. He further added that he wanted more amusement parks, like Disneyland, to come to Gujarat.
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. Incentives for setting up tourism projects in the state will be applicable to only those projects that come up in the high priority tourism centers identified across 25 districts of the state under the policy, the CM added.
As per the latest policy, 15 per cent capital subsidy will be given for setting up world-class theme or amusement parks with capital investment ranging from £5 to 50 million. “In case of capital investment of more than £50 million for setting up a new project, 15 per cent of the eligible capital investment, and if required, land on lease will be provided by the state government,” the policy states. While considering the incentives under the new policy, land prices will not be considered.
While launching the policy, the CM said, “The 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 civilization.
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 the world.
