Gujarat Rann Utsav 2013 begins

Kutch region sees 110% growth in tourist arrivals in six years

Kutch region of Gujarat has witnessed 110 per cent growth in tourist arrivals over the past six years, Gujarat government spokesperson ministers informed on Monday.

The state government today announced commencement of the Rann Utsav for the year 2013-14 from December 17 to February 15, 2014. The growth in tourism in this desert district of the state is attributed to the state government's efforts of organising desert festival during winter season.

According to the data provided by the state government, in the number of tourist arrivals in Kutch during winter has increased from 7,71,000 in 2007-08 to 16,19,000 by 2012-13, showing a growth of 110 per cent.

"It is a result of the fruitful efforts of Gujarat Tourism's brand ambassador and popular actor, Amitabh Bachchan, who endoresed tourist places including Kutch that we have see phenomenal growth in tourist arrivals for the 'Rann Utsav' (desert festival)," said Saurabh Patel, minister for energy and petrochemicals, government of Gujarat.

"Started in 2005, the desert festival was initially held for three days, which later extended to a span of two months due to overwhelming response from the people," said Patel.

The minister informed that this year, the Rann Utsav will be held on the public-private partnership model. For the first time, online photography competition has been organised during the two-month festival for the ameture and professional photographers, who will take pictures of the natural bueaty of Kutch and share them on the social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. A panel of experts in photography field will select the best picture, which will be awarded by the government.

Other major attractions for the event will be folklore such as camel safari, local art, folk music besides sport such as desert biking, para-motoring, hang glider and paraceiling will also attract tourists.