Gujarat eyeing 25 percent hike in tourist inflow

With Gujarat planning to spend Rs.420 crore in the current fiscal to boost tourism, a senior official Saturday said the state was eyeing a 25 percent rise in inflow of tourists.

“We will be spending Rs.420 crore this year in order to boost tourism infrastructure in the state. In 2011-12, the tourist inflow was near about 2.23 crore. This year, we are expecting a 25 percent hike in the tourist inflow,” said Sanjay Kaul, commissioner of tourism, Gujarat.

Kaul said the tourism board was making all out efforts to maintain the momentum by promoting the upcoming events such as Saputara Monsoon Fest, Taranetar Fair, Navaratri Festival and Rann festival all over India.

“The Planning Commission has decided to give the state Rs.1,200 crore for development of coastal tourism projects,” Kaul said.

“The number of tourists visiting Gujarat has increased by 54 lakh in two years after the ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ ad campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan was launched,” he said.