TBM Staff - Mumbai The hidden gems of Rajasthan, long overlooked by tourists, are poised to step into the spotlight as several organizations within the state collaborate on a comprehensive vision document for submission to the government. Tourism, a vital economic sector comprising 12-14 percent of Rajasthan’s economy, stands to benefit from this concerted effort. “People associated with the hotel and tourism industry of the state have started efforts to bring such areas on the tourism map,” said Kuldeep Singh Chandela, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR). Chandela said there was immense potential for tourism in the state. “Some areas are famous all over the world but some are yet to come on the tourism map. Only after increasing the reach of tourists in such areas can the tourism sector in Rajasthan be fully developed,” Chandela said. Tribal belts like Dungarpur, Banswara, Jhalawar, and Pratapgarh can be developed into tourist sites, he said. “This area encompasses not only natural beauty but also heritage. So, it is the responsibility of the government as well as the industry to bring forward such areas on the tourism map. We will discuss this matter with the government in the vision document,” he added. In 2023, Banswara received over 1.92 million domestic tourists and only 69 foreign tourists. While Dungarpur recorded 4.08 million domestic and 231 foreign tourists in 2023, Jhalawar attracted 203,000 domestic and 17 foreign tourists. (Source: The Business Standard)
