R ARIVANANTHAM
GANDHINAGAR, OCT 14
The Gujarat government is celebrating Vikas Saptah from October 7 to 15, commemorating 23 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi first took oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Under his leadership, the state achieved significant progress across all sectors, with the tourism industry’s success gaining global recognition. The developmental initiatives launched by Narendra Modi for tourism and pilgrimage destinations during his tenure as Chief Minister have now positioned Gujarat prominently on the world tourism map.
During his tenure as Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014, PM Modi launched the iconic ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ campaign in 2005, aiming to elevate the state’s tourism industry. By promoting major attractions and investing in infrastructure, Gujarat saw a dramatic rise in both domestic and international visitors.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Gujarat when he was the state’s Chief Minister, as a top tourist destination and put it on the world map drawing a sea of tourists
- In 2003-04, Gujarat welcomed 61.65 lakh tourists, a number that has now surged past 14 crore in 2022-23
- The World’s Tallest Statue, the ‘Statue of Unity,’ Has Become a Major Tourist Attraction for Visitors Worldwide
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state continues to build on Prime Minister Modi’s vision with the launch of the “Khushboo Gujarat Ki 2.0” campaign.
Tourist Numbers Increased 22-Fold in Two Decades
Two decades ago, Gujarat’s tourism industry was nearly non-existent, but today, it has become a preferred destination for tourists from around the world. In the year 2003-04, only 61.65 lakh tourists visited the state, whereas by 2022-23, this number surpassed 14 crore, including over 22 lakh foreign tourists. Additionally, the tourism department’s budget, which was only ₹12 crore in 2001-02, has increased to ₹1620.06 crore in 2024-25.
Rann Utsav and Kite Festival Achieve Global Fame
Present PM and then CM Narendra Modi, recognising the tourism potential of the White Rann in Kutch, launched the ‘Rann Utsav’ in 2005. What started as a three-day festival has now evolved into a four-month-long celebration. To attract people from across the globe to Gujarat’s popular festival of Uttarayan, the International Kite Festival was launched. Since 2009, the Kankaria Carnival has been celebrated annually at the Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad. Additionally, Tana Riri Festival at Vadnagar, and Uttarardh Mahotsav at the Modhera Sun Temple, celebrating Indian dance traditions, have also increased tourist numbers. Gujarat’s Navratri and its Garba have gained global recognition through the Vibrant Navratri Festival.
World’s Tallest Statue, Statue of Unity Becomes A Major Tourist Attraction
As a tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and guided by the vision of then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the 182-meter-tall ‘Statue of Unity,’ the world’s tallest statue, was built in Kevadia, Gujarat. Surrounding the Statue of Unity, several tourist attractions have been developed, including the Jungle Safari Park, Children’s Nutrition Park, Aarogya Van (Health Forest), Valley of Flowers, Ekta Mall, Ekta Nursery, Miyawaki Forest, and Maze Garden. A railway station has also been constructed in Kevadia to provide easy connectivity for tourists. The state government is focusing on the complete tourism development of Kevadia.
Smritivan and Veer Bal Smarak
As Gujarat celebrates Vikas Saptah, marking 23 years of incredible progress under the vision of Honourable Prime Minister – Shri @narendramodi, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum has been illuminated in stunning light, symbolizing resilience and hope.
This… pic.twitter.com/kw2DJ8FSmj
— Smritivan Earthquake Museum (@smritivan) October 11, 2024
To honour those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake on January 26, 2001, Smritivan was constructed in Kutch. A Veer Bal Smarak was also built outside the city of Anjar to honour the children and teachers who were buried under debris during the Kutch earthquake. This memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2022.
Tourism-Friendly Policies Implemented, Creating Employment in the Tourism Sector
To enhance the tourism sector in Gujarat, the government launched the ‘Gujarat Tourism Policy,’ which promotes historical heritage sites as key heritage tourism destinations through the ‘Heritage Tourism Policy.’ Additionally, to introduce domestic and international tourists to Gujarat’s rich culture and traditions, as well as its delicious cuisine, the state implemented the ‘Gujarat Homestay Policy.’ The increase in tourist numbers has generated numerous employment opportunities for locals. Recognizing Gujarat’s rich tradition of handicrafts, the tourism department also offers platforms at various tourism events for artisans to sell their creations, helping them achieve economic self-reliance.
Gujarat Tourism Gains Global Recognition Under PM’s Leadership
Over the past 23 years, Gujarat’s tourism has garnered global recognition. Rani Ki Vav in Patan, Dholavira, Ahmedabad, and Champaner have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dhordo village in Kutch was honoured as the “Best Tourism Village” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Additionally, Gujarat’s Garba has been recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” Shivrajpur Beach in Dwarka earned the esteemed ‘Blue Flag Beach’ certification. Furthermore, the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj was recognized as one of the seven most beautiful museums in the world through the UNESCO Prix Versailles award.
Development of Pilgrimage Sites Along with Improved Facilities for Devotees
The Girnar Ropeway, the largest in Asia, was built in Junagadh to make it easier for devotees, especially the elderly, to reach the revered Mataji temple. At the world-famous pilgrimage site of Ambaji, the construction of 51 Shakti Peeths has been completed, allowing many visitors to experience the darshan of all 51 Shakti Peethas in one location at Aadhya Shakti Dham. At Pavagadh, after 500 years, the golden spire of the newly reconstructed Maa Kalika Mata temple has been crowned with a flag. In Somnath, the first Jyotirling temple on the Saurashtra coast, a well-equipped circuit house has been built for tourists. Under PRASAD Yojana, numerous developmental works are underway to enhance facilities for pilgrims at Somnath Dham. The GSRTC has also introduced new services, including sleeper coaches, AC coaches, and high-end luxury coaches for long-distance travel, connecting various pilgrimage sites. Additionally, solar rooftop installations have been completed at several pilgrimage locations across the state.
Financial Assistance of ₹15,000 for Gujarat Pilgrims Visiting Sindhu Darshan Yatra
To promote ‘Sindhu Darshan Yatra,’ which showcases the unity in India’s diverse and vibrant culture, the state government is providing financial assistance of ₹15,000 to pilgrims from Gujarat. The state government has also launched the Shravan Tirthdarshan Yojana, allowing senior citizens from Gujarat to visit pilgrimage sites across the country.
