In conversation with Fortune India Exchange Mr. Alok Pandey IAS Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited.

Q1 Tell us about the total budget of Gujarat Tourism and how it contributes to the economy of Gujarat?

The share of Gujarat tourism in the total budget of Gujarat is 0.19% for the fiscal year 2022-2023, although the share of Gujarat tourism in the budget of the state of Gujarat is so small, the economic contribution is around 4.73%. We are fully committed to increasing this number to 6% in the next fiscal year pending a planned roadmap.

Q2. What different types of kicking have been observed at tourist destinations in Gujarat since January 2022?

From January 2022 to July 2022, 6.81 million visitors were registered across Gujarat. Out of the top 5 destinations, Ahmedabad is 63.33 lakh as a business destination, second is Dwarka as a spiritual destination with 36.08 lakh, third is Somnath as 35.36 lakh spiritual goal, fourth and fifth is Ambaji with foot frequency of 34.40 lakhs and Pavagadh with foot frequency of 32.51 lakhs. Looking at the history of visitor numbers, it becomes clear that the majority of tourist flows visit the spiritual destinations in Gujarat.

Q3 Please shine a light on the latest destinations to open to tourists in 2022.

Since January 2022, many new destinations have been inaugurated and opened to people in India and around the world. Destinations like Seema Darshan in Nadabet, where the Border Security Force (BSF) Jawans put on a gallant marching show, the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial (NSSM), a landmark in the history of India’s struggle for freedom, the Shivrajpur beach in Devbhoomi Dwarka, one of the Indian Blue flag beach, 12km away from Dwarkadhish Temple and India’s largest dinosaur museum at Balasinor where dinosaur fossils have been found.

Gujarat is the only state in India with a desert and 1600 km of coastline, the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The only habitat of Asiatic lions in India in Gir Forest. The world’s tallest statue of the Statue of Unity and much more. Famous for its temple cities, historical capitals, nature reserves, tourist destinations rich in cultural heritage and beaches. Visit our website for more information https://www.gujarattourism.com/.

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