Gopi Group Plans To Expand Heritage Corridor Project

Ahmedabad-based Gopi Group, one of the pioneers of the heritage tourism development in Gujarat, is planning to expand its operations in four other states.

The group manages six heritage sites in Gujarat and is also working on a Heritage Corridor project to join the eastern and western sectors of the country. The group had recently been awarded the INTACH-SATE National Award-2002.

The proposed Heritage Corridor, which is being targeted to be sold among the middle-market segment and foreign tourists, will cover Madhya Pradesh, Chhatishgarh, Orissa and West Bengal.

The group will take over at least five sites in these states. It is also eyeing six other heritage properties in Gujarat that will be developed and made part of its existing network.

 

"We have chosen two sites in Bijawar and Panna in Madhya Pradesh and are looking for such more sites in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. Opportunities are also being explored in the Nilgiri stretch and Belpahadi districts of Orissa," said Pallav Moitra, director, Gopi Group.

The Heritage Corridor would end at Sunderbans in West Bengal where it would take over few 'Nilkuthis', which had been lying unused since the British left, Moitra said.

"The Heritage Corridor journey will start from Gujarat and end at Sunderbans or the vice versa. The arrangements will be made as per the convenience of the tourists," said Moitra.

"Our business geared up only in 2001 and then, the earthquake and the communal violence led to a major loss. But now things are stable and we are trying to project Heritage Corridor as one of the options to promote tourism in both Gujarat and West Bengal, which have immense potential to attract domestic and foreign tourists," said Dilip Thakker, director, Gopi Group.