Friday, August 23, 2024 Rajasthan Urged to Announce Tourism Policy Ahead of Investor Summit The tourism industry in Rajasthan is urging the state government to unveil a comprehensive tourism policy before the upcoming three-day Rising Rajasthan investment summit, set to begin in Jaipur on December 9. Industry executives believe that having a clear policy in place will encourage investors to consider the tourism sector as a viable opportunity during the summit. Surendra Singh Shahpura, a senior member of the Hotel Federation of Rajasthan, emphasized the importance of heritage tourism in the state.
He pointed out that previous investment summits in Rajasthan have seen significant interest and investment in the tourism sector. Shahpura stated, “Launching the tourism policy before the summit would allow investors to thoroughly evaluate the incentives and facilities available, making it easier for them to commit to investments in Rajasthan’s tourism industry.” The industry has already submitted several proposals for the tourism policy, including requests for subsidies to promote rural tourism, which they believe could create employment opportunities and reduce migration from villages to urban areas.
Shahpura added, “Rural tourism has the potential to curb the migration of people from villages to cities, but we need government support in the form of subsidies.” Another critical area that requires government attention is the preservation of historical monuments in rural areas. The industry is also calling for a simplification of the processes for hotel licensing, land conversion, and building plan approvals.
Kuldeep Singh Chandela, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan, highlighted the need to regularize budget hotels operating in residential areas across the state. He also stressed the importance of promoting Rajasthan tourism at international fairs and exhibitions, along with allocating a budget for the maintenance of monuments. Chandela noted that the tourism policy should consider the protection of forests and eco-sensitive areas.
Sanjay Kaushik, a travel company owner, added that the policy should also address the needs of tour operators by providing easy financing options and reducing road taxes on commercial vehicles. The industry hopes that by announcing the tourism policy before the summit, the government will attract more investments into Rajasthan’s tourism sector, thereby boosting the state’s economy and preserving its cultural heritage..
