TravTalk India Online Magazine
Sharing details on the latest developments, Dr Bhanwar Lal, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, speaks on a range of subjects, including giving prime attention to development of 10 new destinations in the western parts of the state in partnership with UNESCO.
Manas Dwivedi
According to Dr Bhanwar Lal, Rajasthan received as many as five million tourists in 2018, foreign and domestic included. Between January and November 2019, the state witnessed a four per cent growth in tourist arrivals in comparison to the same period in 2018. This growth was led by a significant increase in domestic arrivals, while growth in foreign tourist arrivals remained on a par with what was received every year.
Rajasthan has the maximum heritage hotels in the country and concessions are being extended by the state to heritage properties that have contributed to tourism
Jaipur now a World Heritage Site
Known for its built heritage, Jaipur was officially certified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is now the second Indian city, after Ahmedabad, to feature on the list. Lal added that the state’s tourism department is now trying to capitalise on Jaipur making it to the list, to further promote heritage tourism in the state. “We are working on developing some heritage walkways within Jaipur city, so that we can showcase the culture, both tangible and intangible, to visitors. We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO to develop 10 new destinations in four western districts of Rajasthan. We are focusing on increasing the number to tourist arrivals to the western part of the state, and increase the average length of stay in those districts. Rajasthan has the maximum heritage hotels in the country and special concessions are being extended by the state to heritage properties that have contributed to tourism,” he shared.
The primary focus, Lal claimed, would be on showcasing and promoting the intangible culture of the state, especially art forms and the craft of dyeing, which is unique to western Rajasthan. “We are also promoting rural homestays in the region so that the benefits of increased arrivals can be encashed by locals as well,” he added.
Emphasis on film tourism
This year, Rajasthan’s tourism department will be lay- ing emphasis on film tourism. “Rajasthan has been a popular destination among filmmakers. We are trying to come up with a new platform so that the film-shooting permissions issued by the government are simplified. Apart from this, Rajasthan Tourism is also eyeing the wedding segment,” he shared.
Developing Sambhar Lake
With the support received from Central government and efforts of the state government, Rajasthan Tourism has developed infrastructure at Sambhar, India’s largest inland salt lake, near Jaipur. The department is planning to promote Sambhar as a new destination to tourists coming to Jaipur. A ‘Sambhar Festival’ is also on the cards.
