Gujarat's tourism sector soars to new heights

Gujarat is becoming a favourite destination for tourists.The tourism sector  has experienced a substantial and unprecedented growth in recent years, leading to a remarkable surge in the number of tourists flocking to the state. This surge in footfall has not only boosted the local economy but has also solidified Gujarat's position as a prominent tourist destination on the global map.Gujarat, a state known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, diverse landscapes, and vibrant festivals, has been successful in capturing the imagination of travelers from far and wide. The state's concerted efforts in promoting tourism and enhancing infrastructure have paid off handsomely, resulting in a surge of visitors eager to explore its treasures.

Gujarat ranks 1st in India in terms of Foreign Tourists and ranks 5th in terms of Domestic Tourist footfall as per recent India Tourism Statistics 2023 report released by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Gujarat is able to capture 1.78 million Foreign Tourists which contributes to 20.70% share in India. Also,135.81 million Domestic Tourists have been observed which is 7.85% share in India. Several efforts have been made by the Tourism Department Gujarat to increase the Tourist footfall in the state. One of the most important steps taken by the department is developing of AATITHYAM Portal. 

AATITHYAM Portal is a real-time Dashboard as developed by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) to track the Tourist Football for the State of Gujarat. It is an effective way to monitor the Tourist Footfall across the state. Gujarat is the 1st State in the Country to develop such platform. The Dashboard  has major 3 components District Level Footfall, Destination Level Footfall and MIS report sharing. Other features of the dashboard include detailed profile of tourists like age, origin, Type, Purpose, etc. Contribution of Tourism sector to state GSDP along with its details on the purpose of expenditure are also the unique features of the dashboard. This is first of its kind initiative to digitalise the count of number of tourists visiting the state and which has helped Tourism Department to make many policy decisions for betterment of Tourists Facilities for the state of Gujarat.

The state's policy to preserve its cultural heritage, embracing its natural beauty, and investing in modern infrastructure such as upgradation of airports, road networks and accommodation options, 

catering to various budget ranges, including homestays has resulted in attracting a diverse range of tourists from all corners of the globe. The Government endeavors to maintain and upgrade the ranking for the future by providing unmatched hospitality, robust infrastructure facilities and one in life time experience to every traveler who visits the Gujarat.Gujarat's strong industrial base and business opportunities have resulted in an influx of business travellers attending conferences, trade shows, and exploring investment prospects.

The substantial growth witnessed in Gujarat's tourism sector marked by a significant increase in tourist footfall, stands as a testament to the state's dedication to promoting its unique offerings. With its diverse attractions, welcoming communities, and a well-rounded approach to tourism, Gujarat has firmly established itself as a shining star in the realm of global travel. The key focus areas of the 2023-24 state budget is tourism, pilgrim places and civil aviation sectors, which received an increment of 346% funds.