Overview of Gujarat Tourism Sector

Gujarat boasts of over 3500 years of history, natural and cultural delights, beaches, fairs and festivals, temples, holy sites coupled with warmth of its people. The gross flow during the year of 2013-14 was approximately 28.79 million tourists. Top destinations that attract tourists in Gujarat are Ahmadabad, Dwarka , Ambaji, Surat, Vadodara and they account to 40% of the gross tourist flow. These hubs are well equipped with modern infrastructure, facilities and services in the areas of commerce, communication, connectivity, hospitality, transportation and medical facilities. 

Gujarat believes in taking proactive steps. One of it’s most impact initiatives was the “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” campaign by Bollywood celebrity Amitabh Bachchan has attributed significantly to the growth of tourism activities in the state. 

Apart from this Gujarat government provides various sources to people to invest their money. There are many investment opportunities out there in the Gujarat. Gujarat state is always open to multiple investment opportunities and partnerships with the intent of making tourists experience even better. 

• Rural tourism :- Tourist desires to get a real firsthand experience in the villages and the rural parts, this type of tourism will enhance that experience.

• Home stay tours :- A package tour can be developed for a group of tourists who will live in some pre-identified village. There they will stay in their homes and experience their livelihoods, lifestyle etc. This will provide a break from routine life and give an inner insight into the lives of rural society.

• Industrial tours :- Industrial tours can be organized where tourists can visit 2-3 industries of different sectors and the industry representatives will explain the tourists the entire manufacturing process, This will give the tourists a firsthand experience of entire manufacturing process.

• Medical tourism :- Availability of high-quality but low cost surgeries at Gujarat’s hospitals is the single biggest USP of this concept. This format of tourism will be driven by the large population of people of Gujarati origin in America, Europe and Africa and by even global tourists.

• Wetland tourism :- Gujarat is the home of diverse number of animals, birds and amphibians who inhabitate the wetlands of state. They are provide multitude of services and are a spectacle to watch. Wetlands have immense potential, which needs to be optimally used.

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History (An Overview) of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated each year to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian Community to the development of India. India has the largest diaspora in the world after China, including a large number of Gujaratis.

Pravasi Bhartiya Divas aims to connect the Indian diasporas across the world to their motherland. Every year, the meet receives dignitaries and prestigious guests including political figures as well as business tycoons. Non resident Gujaratis can contribute to the growth of our country in a number of ways, such as utilising their talent, experience and discipline in the development process.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas holds a special significance for Gujarat, as Gujaratis have a huge global presence. Gujaratis form a large part of the Indian Diaspora.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated in India on 9 January each year to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on 9 January 1915. Established in 2003, it is sponsored by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs of the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry (FICCI) the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region of India. A celebratory event is held on 7-9 January each year in an Indian city: a forum for issues concerning the Indian Diaspora is organised and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards are given.

For the year 2015, the 13th edition of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, Gandhinagar has been chosen as the destination. January 7th to 9th has been marked for celebrating the achievements of the Indian Diaspora, who have made the nation proud all over the world.

During the event, works and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi will be showcased at the venue. A major highlight of the event is the inauguration of the Salt Mound or Dandi Kutir opposite Mahatma Mandir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the occasion.

On January 7, the youth segment of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be inaugurated with the theme “Bharat Ko Jaano” and “Bharat Ko Maano”, with the aim of familiarising children of immigrant Indians with the traditions and history of the country as well as its modern day achievements in different fields.

This year. key points of interests that will be highlighted are the Namami Ganga, Swachcha Bharat, Skill Development and Urban Development programmes, and NRIs and People of Indian origin(PI0) would be impressed upon to take part in them. Another highlight at this event will be "Make in India'''.

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