core sector communique

Gujarat Tourism: Exploring Investment Opportunities

Mumbai, December 18, 2010: The Department of Tourism, Government of Gujarat, Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd. (GUJTOP) in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Gujarat State Council organized a Conference on Gujarat Tourism: Exploring Investment Opportunities on December 18, 2010 under the aegis of the much acclaimed Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit. The conference focused on the Investment Opportunities and Growth of the Tourism Sector in Gujarat.

The Seminar highlighted various areas of investment in tourism sector like opportunities for Convention Centers, Eco-Tourism, Medical Tourism, Wayside Amenities, Adventure Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Beach Tourism, etc. in the State along with special emphasis on exploring investment opportunities in the Aviation sector. The seminar witnessed leading national personalities in this sector as speakers/panelist including policy makers, think tanks, industry and sector representatives and keen investors in the State as it addresses the future path for the Sector to the next level.

Mr. Kamlesh Patel, Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. in his opening remarkable stated “the legacy of honourable CM of Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi into inviting investments goes beyond with industries and infrastructure. Gujarat is welcoming the tourism and hospitality industry, from across the nation as well as globally.” He also added “Gujarat, 1600 kms of vergin costal area as well as several ecologically important destinations are awaiting stakeholders and investors to explore the opportunities.

Mr. Vipul Mittra, IAS, Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat the official instrumental in roping in Mr. Amitabh Bachan as the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism Said “the previous Vibrant Gujarat Global investor’s summit had MOU’s worth Rs.60000 Cr., many of these are in pipeline the proactive Government of Gujarat has cut the red tapesim and had been facilitating the investors across the sectors. The Government of Gujarat once again welcoming the investors from the tourism and hospitality sector from across the globe. GUJTOP has floated a number of projects facilitating the investors in the sector”

Having added a new chapter to State tourism by introducing Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan the Tourism and hospitality industry in Gujarat is expected to see heavy investment inflow during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) 2011, as the government has chalked out a lucrative hotel policy for new investors and proposed an up gradation of prominent tourist destinations including beaches, cultural heritage and religious monuments in the State.

While Bachchan is being credited for drawing tourist to Gir, the abode of Asiatic Lions the forthcoming summit is expected to anchor investors in beach tourism, rural tourism and business tourism. The Gujarat Tourism Opportunity Ltd. (GUJTOP), a company floated by Gujarat Tourism Corporation Ltd. And IL&FS, has identified 39 projects across the categories.

The aim of the Conference was to ensure participation of the Stakeholders from the Sector and address the future path for the Sector to the next level. A feedback from the interactive audience has identified the opportunities in marketing the potentials of the State competitively that would help in identifying investment opportunities and shaping future strategies. The Conference was followed by Structured, Pre-fixed B2B meeting between the Investors’ and officials from GUJTOP.

Overview on Gujarat State

Gujarat has immense potential to become a major tourist destination. Its historical monuments represent the great religions of Asia – Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, Parsee and Sikh.For eco-tourists, the state offers opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife including the Asiatic lion and Indian wild ass, endangered antelopes, a variety of deer, etc. It has India’s first marine national park. There are more than 400 archaeological sites in state including some of the most Culture substantial excavations of Indus Valley civilization period at Lothal (near Ahmedabad), Surkotada and Dholavira (in Kutch). The archaeological zone of Champaner - Pavagadh have been acclaimed by UNESCO as the “World Heritage Site” because of its great mosques, temples, stepwells and forts. The Wild Ass sanctuary, Dholavira Harappan City and Rani-Ki-Vav are in the process of getting status of the World Heritage site. Gujarat has many enchanting tourist places, memorable historic monuments and sacred pilgrimages, depicting the glorious cultural heritage, which can attract both Indian and international travellers. The state has important pilgrimage places like Dwarka, Somnath, Dakor, Ambaji, etc for Hindus, Udwada, Navsari and Surat for Parsees, Palitana, Girnar, etc for Jains. Medical tourism is seen as having a particularly high growth potential because of the availability of high-quality, low cost surgeries at Gujarat’s hospitals. The large population of people of Gujarati origin in America, Europe and Africa can be a major growth driver for this segment of tourism.

About FICCI

Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India's struggle for independence and its subsequent emergence as one of the most rapidly growing economies globally. FICCI plays a leading role in policy debates that are at the forefront of social, economic and political change. Through its 400 professionals, FICCI is active in 39 sectors of the economy. FICCI's stand on policy issues is sought out by think tanks, governments and academia. Its publications are widely read for their in-depth research and policy prescriptions. FICCI has joint business councils with 79 countries around the world.

A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India's business and industry. FICCI has direct membership from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 83,000 companies from regional chambers of commerce.

FICCI works closely with the government on policy issues, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and expanding business opportunities for industry through a range of specialised services and global linkages. It also provides a platform for sector specific consensus building and networking.
Partnerships with countries across the world carry forward our initiatives in inclusive development, which encompass health, education, livelihood, governance, skill development, etc. FICCI serves as the first port of call for Indian industry and the international business community.