Gujarat announces Heritage Tourism Policy

The Heritage Tourism policy has been announced by Gujarat Government.  This is state’s first such policy.

Key highlights of the policy

• The policy permits the use of pre-1950 historical buildings including heritage palaces and forts as heritage hotels, heritage museums, heritage banquet halls and heritage restaurants.
• The step would attract tourism in the unused historical buildings.
• State Government will provide five to ten crore rupees to new or existing heritage hotels for the purpose of renovation and expansion.
• An aid of 45 lakh to one crore will be provided for developers to start new project or restore an existing heritage building.
• The restoration or expansion work should not be altering or damaging the existing original structure.

About Gujarat

It is the 6th largest state in India. It is located in the western part of India having a coastline of 1600 km which happens to be largest in India. It is 9th most popular tourist place in the country. As per a report, in 2018 Gujarat had fetched about 54.4 million domestic and international tourists.

Some important facts

• Scenic beauty in Gujarat offers vary from Great Rann of Kutch to the hills of Saputara.
• Gujarat is the only one place in the world where Asiatic lions are found.
• Structures in Gujarat has been made in Indo- Saracenic style which is the result of Hindu craftsmanship and Islamic architecture.
• Gujarat also has historic importance for being birthplace of Shrimad Rajchandra, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
• Recently, Statue of Unity which is the tallest statue in the world, has emerged as the major tourist spot.
• Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. He has launched ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ campaign which increased tourism in Gujarat by 14 per cent per annum.
• Gujarat is also known as “Growth Engine of India”.

Places of historic importance in Gujarat

• Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara is the largest private dwelling which four times the size ofBuckingham Palace, London.
• World heritage sites likeLothal, Dholavira and Champaner are also located there.

Thus, with the new policy, State Government expects that Gujarat will be placed in the world heritage tourism map. International tourists will be able to enjoy the heritage sites. They would also enjoy a stay at ancient palaces and forts that were owned by Kings.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020