Gujarat to build tented city with INR 3295.76 crore tourism plan – ET TravelWorld

In a bid to boost tourism, the Government of India has approved 40 tourism development projects across 23 states under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ scheme. With a total budget of INR 3295.76 crore for the financial year 2024-25, these projects are aimed at transforming iconic tourist destinations, improving their branding, and promoting them globally. The initiative seeks to enhance India’s tourism infrastructure and attract international visitors by improving facilities and services at key tourist locations.

Among the approved projects, two significant ones have been granted funding in Gujarat. These include an ecotourism destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar, which has been allocated INR 99.50 crore, and a Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo, with a financial support of INR 51.56 crore. These projects are expected to boost Gujarat’s tourism appeal, drawing both domestic and international travelers to the state’s popular tourist destinations.

The Ministry of Tourism has set out detailed guidelines to assist state governments in submitting their proposals for the SASCI scheme. The projects were evaluated based on several key criteria to ensure their feasibility and long-term success. Some of the critical factors considered during the evaluation process include connectivity to the tourist sites, the existing tourism ecosystem and facilities, carrying capacity, and sustainability of the proposed developments. The long-term management and operation plans, as well as tourism marketing strategies, were also key components of the assessment.The goal of these projects is to elevate India’s tourism infrastructure to a global standard, ensuring that the country’s most iconic destinations are not only accessible but also offer world-class experiences to visitors. By focusing on both infrastructural and marketing improvements, these projects aim to make Gujarat, along with other states benefiting from the initiative, more attractive to tourists from around the world.

The funding provided through the SASCI scheme will be a significant step in realising this vision, helping these regions achieve greater international recognition and boosting local economies by fostering sustainable tourism growth.

With this Gujarat hopes to boost tourism in the region!