Gujarat eyes Rs 4,000 cr investment commitments in tourism sector

State to hold three-day Travel Mart starting Feb 19, with 50 countries taking part; so far 75 investors keen to invest Rs 2,000 cr

The Gujarat government is expecting over Rs 4,000 crore worth investment commitments in tourism sector during its upcoming event Vibrant Gujarat International Travel Mart 2016.

"A new chapter of development has opened up in the tourism sector as the state government has given it industry status. For the growth of the tourism industry in the state, we have planned to organize an International Tourism Mart and are expecting investment commitments of about Rs 4,000 crore during the event," said Saurabh Patel, tourism minister of Gujarat.

The three day Travel Mart will start from February 19 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar and will see 50 countries including the US, China, Australia, Japan, Canada, England and Italy will participate in it. Moreover, 20 states of India will also participate in the event.

According to Gujarat government so far about 75 investors have shown interest to invest around Rs 2,000 crore in tourism sector in the state. Government is expecting investment in skill development, golf tourism, civil aviation, eco tourism.

"Under new tourism policy, so far 75 investors have already shown interest to investment about Rs 2,000 crore for hotels, resorts, theme parks and tent parks in 18 districts," said Patel.

During the International Travel Mart, over 4,000 B2B meeting will be held between domestic and international participants. Consulates and high commissions of Australia, Canada, and other countries will present in the event. Further, top officials of Government of India's tourism department will also participate in the Mart.