IATO to drive tourism in Gujarat

Because of its efficient policy implementation process, in past two to three years, Gujarat inspite of COVID-19, has received 40 to 50 per cent of the FDI that came to India.

Janice Alyosius

The Indian Association of Tour Operators’ (IATO) hosted a luncheon meeting recently with Hareet Shukla, Secretary, Gujarat Tourism as the chief guest. Giving details about the IATO’s 36th annual convention,

Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO updated members about the ongoing initiatives with the government. Shukla invited the members to Gujarat to discern the development made by the state and promised to make the experience memorable for them in Gandhinagar. The government is making efforts to promote tourism and discovering new destinations for domestic and international tourists. Stating that Gujarat is a progressive and policy-driven state, the tourism secretary said they have policies for every sector. Because of which, in the past two to three years, in spite of COVID-19, 40 to 50 per cent of foreign direct investment (FDI) came to Gujarat, Shukla said.

Speaking of the government’s plan to open its doors for international tourists, he said, “We have a calendar of events, beginning from January, festival-to-destination ones such as Navratri, Saputra, Rann Utsav, so that there is an event every alternate month. We are also coming out with destinations of world-class standards such as Kevadiya. We are keen to attract international tourist footfall to Gujarat.”

Speaking on the National Tourism Policy, Shukla said, “The national policy is focused on having a sustainable tourism so that it benefits the local community too. There are many components that are a part of the policy such as capital subsidy for new projects, exemption in power and stamp duty, manpower support and provision for mega projects, that is, a project worth ` 500 crore will have a special package.”

While speaking about the 36th IATO annual convention to be held in Gandhinagar, Shukla said, “During the convention, the IATO members will get an opportunity to see the progress and development of Gujarat. We are in the process of revising the tourism policy, heritage tourism, adventure sport and homestays, and will soon launch another policy; cinematic tourism.” Post-convention, tours will be organised to give an opportunity to the IATO members to explore Gujarat. “The IATO has taken up with the MOT to request the Ministry of Home Affairs to allow e-Tourist visa with double entry and 60-day validity. They further requested the ministry that the visas should be allowed for entry of tourists through land from Nepal in order to facilitate Buddhist tourism movement. The IATO has also requested Arvind Singh, Secretary, MOT, to resume international flights in line with the bilateral agreements with various nations,” Mehra said.

Ravi Gosain, VP, IATO, said, “The convention gives a platform for us to meet and greet each other. Supporting each other at this point is important.” He further spoke on digital marketing, responsible tourism, and connectivity. On the speakers list included Secretary of Tourism, joint secretary tourism, industry stakeholders and other delegates.