Chandan Sharma
Gujarat is considered to be a land of myriad of opportunities. Though the impression about Gujarat is only that of land of ‘Industrious people’, the state also offers a lot to an avid traveler. The state is renowned for its beaches, holy temples, and historic places of interest with immense architectural wealth, wildlife sanctuaries and hill resorts. The fascinating handicrafts, mouth-watering cuisine and colourful lifestyle of the people of Gujarat make it an attractive tourist destination. Whatever be your budget, the state has something to offer for all.
USP of Gujarat Tourism: The USP of Gujarat Tourism is its diversity of tourism products. It is being promoted as a complete family destination, since in Gujarat there is practically everything to cater to the tastes of the tourists, whether it is mega events like Navratri or Wildlife at Gir Sanctuary or the exotic Kutch or the magnificent temples of Somanth and Dwarka. Be it monuments or temples or desert, Gujarat has it all. The most important concern for any tourist is the safety aspect. Gujarat from eternal times has been known for its hospitable and warm hearted people which naturally become a perfect setting for tourism to grow and prosper. Hence diversity coupled with safety and warm hospitality is the USP of Gujarat Tourism and thus a perfect destination for the entire family.
The year 2012 has seen a lot of international accolades come Gujarat's way. The state has been ranked as the third best unsung tourist destination of the world by Lonely Planet.
Gujarat Tourism this year has also won the prestigious PATA Gold award for its coffee table book –‘The White Rann’ in the Secondary Destination Category. Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary Gujarat Tourism quoted that “The Rann of Kutch, the great white salt desert that is unique to India, is a lesson in diversity. To capture this spirit of the Rann, Gujarat Tourism organises Rann Utsav, a carnival held every year and which is fast becoming a major international event”. )The ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ Campaign featuring the Indian Mega star Amitabh Bachchan is currently omnipresent. Whether you switch on the TV or tune in to your favourite FM Radio Station or flip through the magazines and newspapers, the Khushboo of Gujarat is inescapable. To add more Khushboo of Gujarat to the residents of Delhi, the Gujarat Tourism is now branding one entire Delhi Metro Train for a period of three months. The ‘Khushboo Gujarat ki’ Campaign in its entirety would be branded in both the outer body and insides of the metro train. The train would be jointly flagged off by Shri Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat and Shri Sanjay Kaul, Commissioner of Tourism & Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. on the 7th March from the Reliance New Delhi Metro station.
With the Lonely Planet endorsement coupled with the PATA award, Gujarat is fast emerging as one of the most exciting tourism destinations of the world.