Gujarat eyes over 3 crore tourists this year

Gujarat is targeting to attract over three crore visitors during this financial year on the back of promotions and infrastructure development.
"During FY13, we saw a total arrival of 2.54 crore tourists in Gujarat, which is 13.62 per cent higher than the previous year. This year we are aiming at over three crore tourists," Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Chairman Kamlesh Patel told reporters here.
The state is aggressively promoting tourism across the country through roadshows, Patel said.
"Besides, the state has outlined Rs 500 crore for FY13 and FY14 to develop infrastructure and promotions among others. More than 37 projects are under development currently. Rs 200 crore has already been spent and the rest Rs 300 crore and an additional Rs 50 crore will be spent during this fiscal," he said.

On foreign tourists, Patel said the state saw over five lakh overseas arrivals in 2012-13 and expects a 22 per cent growth this year.
He said Gujarat has a variety of destinations, including beaches and coastal sites, forests and natural ecosystems, gardens and lakes, heritage monuments, archaeological structures, museums and learning spaces, religious sites, Gandhi Circuit, Buddhist sites and adventure sports, which make it ideal for all types of tourists.

The state also promotes tourism through various festivals, including the monsoon festival in Saputara next month.
Gujarat tourism minister Saurabh Patel said the state is planning to bring out a new policy for investment in the tourism sector.

"Since 4-5 years, the tourism sector has become a priority. We are working on it and will soon bring in a new policy for investment in the tourism sector," Patel said.