Tag Archives: Rajasthan

Tourism will be key driver towards Viksit Bharat: Shekhawat

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism and Culture emphasised the crucial role tourism will play in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bhaarat) by 2047.

Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum on Saturday, he said, “By 2047 when India becomes developed, one of the big drivers of developed India (Viksit Bhaarat) will be the tourism sector.”

Shekhawat emphasised India’s rapid progress over the past decade, attributing it to strategic reforms and advancements in infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shekhawat said, “The way India has developed its infrastructure, established new benchmarks across various sectors, and embraced cutting-edge technologies has transformed the global perspective towards our nation. Today, India is recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.”

Highlighting recent acknowledgements of India’s economic growth, Shekhawat referenced Moody’s recent rating.

“Moody’s acknowledgement of our economic growth is a testament to the positive trajectory India has been on in recent years,” he said.
Shekhawat also pointed out the massive scale of infrastructure development in India, including the construction of over 1,50,000 kilometers of highways, the electrification of the entire rail network, and the introduction of advanced train systems like Vande Bharat.

He noted that while India’s tourism sector currently contributes 7.9 per cent to the global economy–below the global average of 10.4 per cent–there is significant potential for growth.

“The total number of inbound tourists in India is concentrated in just seven states, from Rajasthan to Delhi. As we move towards 2047, tourism will be one of the key drivers of India’s development,” Shekhawat said.

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, echoed Shekhawat’s sentiments on India’s growing global economic presence.
He said, “India is on the world map as far as economy is concerned. We are getting all the attention from every corner of the world. When it comes to tourism, there is a lot we still need to do. While domestic tourism is on the growth path already, international tourism is also on the growth path.”

He added, “The inbound tourism, given the COVID situation, we still had bought 85 per cent of recovery as compared to 2019 levels. We get about close to 10 million tourists and we used to be at about 11 or a little over 11 million foreign tourists in 2019. The 2023 over 2022 was like 300 per cent growth. We are finishing the recovery path and getting into the growth zone even for the foreign tourist arrivals as well.”

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), highlighted the integral relationship between infrastructure growth and the hospitality sector.

He said, “Single biggest beneficiary of the growth of infrastructure is Hospitality. When hospitality grows, it creates a lot of jobs. It is the biggest multiplicator of jobs in the world.”

Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at VISA, discussed the emerging trends in health and wellness tourism.

“Health tourism, wellness tourism is on the uptick. This is a huge opportunity for the government to leverage on the Ayush initiative to grow this segment further”, Ghosh said.

Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Promoter of HRH Group of Hotels, praised the global recognition of Indian heritage hospitality, particularly by Tata and the Taj Group of Hotels.

“Indian company today has knocked the doors of World forum as far as Heritage hospitality Is concern is non other than Tata and the Taj group of hotels”, he noted. (Source: ANI)

Rajasthan plans “Heal in Rajasthan” policy to boost medical tourism

The Rajasthan government is set to launch a policy to promote medical tourism, aiming to position the state as a premier destination for healthcare services.

The proposed policy, titled “Heal in Rajasthan,” seeks to attract both domestic and international tourists by leveraging the state’s robust healthcare infrastructure and rich cultural heritage.

An official from the state’s medical and health department stated, “We have started to seek views on the policy and have organised sessions with both private and government doctors and medical colleges.” The policy is expected to create significant investment and employment opportunities, benefiting not only the healthcare sector but also related industries such as pharmaceuticals and hospitality.

According to the draft policy, Rajasthan has over 8,000 hospitals in both the government and private sectors, with more than 400 multi-speciality and super-speciality institutions. The state is also home to 35 medical colleges and 16 dental colleges, ensuring a well-trained pool of healthcare professionals.

The “Heal in Rajasthan” policy will focus on establishing hubs for medical tourism, offering a range of services from secondary to quaternary care. Additionally, it will develop centres for AYUSH-based wellness tourism, integrating traditional Indian therapies such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy with the state’s cultural offerings.

Under the Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya (MAA) health infrastructure mission, the state government plans to invest over INR 15,000 crore over the next three years to enhance super-speciality and tertiary care facilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make healthcare a core priority, as reflected in the recent budget allocation increase to over INR 27,000 crore.

By combining medical excellence with cultural richness, the Rajasthan government aims to boost economic growth through increased international and domestic tourism, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a model state in the health sector.

IHCL announces the signing of resort in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

 

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a resort in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. This Greenfield project will be branded a Gateway resort.

Commenting on the expansion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL stated, “The re-imagined Gateway brand offers a contemporary and refreshing hospitality experience tailored for the modern traveler. Sawai Madhopur’s captivating blend of historical significance and natural beauty makes it an ideal location for our resort. This new resort aligns with Gateway’s brand strategy of providing an authentic reflection of a city. We are delighted to partner with the Jalan Group for this project.”

Strategically located on NE4, the 200-keyGateway – Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthanprovides easy accessibility to the region’s renowned attractions. The resort features an array of culinary delights, including an all-day diner, bar, specialty restaurant, and lounge. It will boast an extensive banquet space spanning over 15,000 sq. ft., making it an ideal venue for grand celebrations and corporate events. Guests can also unwind and rejuvenate at the spa, state-of-the-art gym, and swimming pool.

Pratiik Jalan, Managing Director of Jalan Builders and Partner in Jalan Hospitality along with partners Mr. Vineet Jain of V2RS GROUP and Mr. Sunil Choudhary of Jatsons said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL in Sawai Madhopur for their Gateway brand. This partnership underscores our commitment to developing a world-class resort offering in Rajasthan.”

Renowned for its rich heritage, majestic forts, and vibrant culture, Rajasthan has emerged as a top tourist destination in India attracting visitors from across the globe. Key attractions at Sawai Madhopur include Ranthambore National Park, Ranthambore Fort, and National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 30 hotels in Rajasthan including 9 under development.

MoT consulting states & UTs for setting up Tourism Police

The Ministry of Tourism has been continuously taking up the matter with all the State Governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations for setting up a dedicated Tourism Police, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said.

As a part of its endeavours to make travel for tourists safe and secure, the Ministry of Tourism has set up a round-the-clock Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline on the toll-free number or a short code 1363 in 12 languages, including 10 international languages (German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic), Hindi and English for domestic and foreign tourists to provide support service in terms of information relating to travel in India and to offer appropriate guidance to tourists in distress while travelling within India, the Minister said.

“With the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism, the State governments and UT administrations of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh deployed tourist police, in one form or the other,” Shekhawat said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Monday.

Bengaluru hosts India International Travel Mart 2024

India’s leading travel media company, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions has organised the ‘India International Travel Mart’ (IITM) in Bengaluru from 26 – 28 July 2024 at the Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds.

The event was inaugurated by K. Lakshminarayanan, Tourism Minister, Govt. of Puducherry along with Dr. Rajendra KV, IAS, Director – Karnataka Tourism and Managing Director, KSTDC Ltd., Dr. Jayanta Kumar Ray, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Govt. of Puducherry, K. Muralidharan, Director of Tourism, Government of Puducherry, S. Syamaraju, President – South India Hotel and Restaurant Association and Karnataka Tourism Society, S Mahalingaiah, Chairman, IATO (Karnataka Chapter),Ayappa Somaiah, President, SKAL International Bengaluru, Mani Manimegalai – Vice President, SKAL International Bengaluru, Raminder Singh – Chairman, TAFI (Karnataka Chapter), Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions in the presence of other travel industry veterans.

This edition featured 600+ exhibitors from 20 Indian states and 15 international destinations, showcasing diverse travel options like pilgrimages, adventures, culture, wildlife, and more. From Indian rhinoceros to Rajasthan’s festivals to Karnataka’s heritage sites, the event enriches holiday choices. Emphasizing Karnataka’s tourism, it boosts the upcoming Mysuru Dasara Festival and promotes the state’s archaeology and culture.

As the world embraces sustainable practices, IITM takes strides to promote responsible tourism and wellness. The exhibition demonstrates eco-friendly initiatives, community-based tourism projects, and conservation efforts to protect India’s natural and cultural heritage. It encourages travellers to tread lightly and leave a positive footprint on the destinations they visit.

Commenting on this, Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere TravelMedia, said, “Welcome to the heart of innovation and collaboration in the travel industry. This exhibition is a gateway to shaping the future of travel through new opportunities and partnerships. Let’s explore new horizons, forge lasting connections, and inspire the world of travel. The B2B Tourism Exhibition celebrates collaboration, resilience, and excellence in the industry, bringing together top minds to pioneer sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and new partnerships. Together, we are creating a future where travel is connected, sustainable, and extraordinary, setting the stage for unprecedented growth and advancement in the industry.”

Rajasthan Tourism Safeguards Folk Music Heritage

 

Rajasthan’s folk music and tourism are intricately intertwined, each contributing to the preservation and promotion of the state’s rich cultural heritage. The folk music of Rajasthan not only preserves the state’s cultural legacy but also serves as a powerful draw for tourists, captivating audiences with its mesmerising melodies and traditional instruments.

Rajasthan’s folk music encompasses a diverse range of styles and genres, each reflecting the state’s unique traditions and folklore. These musical forms have been passed down through generations, with local artists and communities playing a vital role in their preservation. The folk music of Rajasthan can be broadly categorised into three main types: professional folk songs, regional folk songs, and songs inspired by the common people.

The Rajasthan Tourism Department has been actively involved in supporting and promoting the state’s folk music. The department provides financial assistance, training, and performance opportunities to folk artists, ensuring that their art form not only thrives but also contributes to the local economy. This collaborative effort between the tourism industry and the folk music community has strengthened the livelihood of these artists and reinforced the cultural identity of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan’s folk music is characterised by a rich tapestry of styles and traditional instruments. From the soulful Maand and the vibrant Langa to the rhythmic Talbandi and the enchanting Manganiyar, each musical form showcases the depth and diversity of the state’s cultural heritage.

Additionally, the unique Pabuji Ki Phad style, with its narrative storytelling and use of instruments like Ravanhatta and Sarangi, offers a distinctive and immersive experience for audiences.