The Gujarat government has taken a significant step towards bolstering its tourism infrastructure by allocating INR 200 crore for the development of special tourism zones (STZs) across the state. This substantial investment underscores the state's commitment to fostering tourism growth and attracting global players to its vibrant destinations.

Officials from the state government revealed that the earmarked funds will be utilised to develop both greenfield and brownfield projects as part of the STZ initiative. The focus is on creating integrated tourism hubs that offer unique experiences and amenities to visitors while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Key sites identified for STZ development include Dholavira, Shivrajpur, Sir Creek, and border areas of Banaskantha. While Dholavira, Shivrajpur, and certain areas of Banaskantha will be developed as brownfield STZs, the Sir Creek region is earmarked for a greenfield project. These locations hold immense potential to attract tourists with their cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

The Gujarat tourism department plans to leverage the comprehensive policy framework provided by the Union government for special tourism projects. Under this framework, states receive substantial funding support, with INR 300 crore allocated for greenfield STZs and INR 100 crore for brownfield STZs in the initial phase. Additional funding is contingent upon meeting pre-defined performance parameters, providing a significant boost to tourism infrastructure development.

The STZ initiative aims to create new benchmarks for tourism infrastructure, products, and experiences, aligning with the government of India's vision to position India as a premier tourism destination globally. By offering world-class amenities and experiences, Gujarat seeks to attract international tourists while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to local communities.

The development of STZs is guided by stringent guidelines laid down by the Union government, emphasising the need for unique identity, comprehensive master planning, sustainability, and integrated development. The focus is on enhancing the overall tourism experience and driving economic growth in the region.

In conclusion, the Gujarat government's allocation of INR 200 crore for STZ development underscores its commitment to transforming the state into a tourism powerhouse. With strategic investments and partnerships, Gujarat aims to unlock the full potential of its tourism assets and emerge as a leading destination on the global tourism map.