TravTalk India Online Magazine
Nirav Munshi, Manager, Marketing & Commercial, Gujarat Tourism, believes that Kevadia can easily become more than a two-nighter not just for domestic but also international tourists.
Hazel Jain
How are you promoting SoU among the trade?
The Statue of Unity (SoU) is being promoted assertively across India. Recently, two big events were successfully carried out here. The Tourism Department organised a convention and familiarisation tour of 400 tour operators pan India for Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI). The second one was the TAAI Conclave and familiarisation tour for 200 tour operators. Overall, we received a very good response from the tour operators during these travel association events.
How many people have visited SoU and what are your expectations from 2021 for Kevadia?
Familiarisation tours are being organised for travel agents and some introductory packages can be offered to travel agents on booking accommodation. Lakhs of tourists have visited the SoU since 2018 and the same is expected in 2021.
Do you plan to conduct B2B roadshows with Gujarat suppliers meeting buyers from other states?
We conduct B2B roadshows in the beginning of every year in major cities across the nation.
Can Kevadia be more than a two-night destination?
Kevadia and SoU are two days’ destinations; it can be even more as there are many attractions to be visited at Kevadia. A night trip to the SoU is even more fantastic with colourful lightings. I believe international tourists will also enjoy the attractions at Kevadia, especially since they are well-maintained with high level of cleanliness, security that would suit their standards.
What changes would the new tourism policy bring?
The new tourism policy has been finalised. Guidelines will be released as per the government. Two new hotels have come up at SoU, i.e. Ramada and The Fern. And our new tourism policy contains the exemptions, policies, taxes, etc., for the development of new hotels.
