Rs.125 crore boost for Ukai Dam tourism to power rural economy

Surat | Gujarat — The state government has allocated ₹125 crore to develop tourism in the Ukai catchment area with the aim of boosting the rural economy, said Minister of State for Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, and Tourism, Dr. Jayrambhai Gamit.

Addressing the gathering at a seminar on “Rural, Tribal and Wedding Tourism” held during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference at Auro University, Minister Jayrambhai Gamit said that the Tourism Department can play a vital role in generating employment in rural areas. He also elaborated on the initiatives undertaken by the state government for tourism development at key destinations across Gujarat, including Saputara.

He further stated that the development of tourism in rural and tribal areas would accelerate the rural economy and significantly contribute to employment generation.

The minister added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also promoting economic growth through tourism development. Expansion of tourism will strengthen rural economies by creating jobs and self-employment opportunities in rural and tribal regions. It will also help promote agricultural produce, handicrafts, tribal culture, and traditions, thereby giving a boost to tourism. This, in turn, will strengthen the rural economy and help realize the true vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He also noted that Gujarat’s tribal regions, coastline, world-class resorts, and desert landscapes offer immense potential for tourism development, which will further boost destination wedding tourism.

H.M. Solanki from the Tourism Department provided detailed insights into tourism in Gujarat, its contribution to the state’s GDP, opportunities in rural and tribal tourism, and the role of tourism in employment generation and economic growth.

The seminar was attended by Dr. C.C. Chaudhary, Executive Director of Gujarat Tribal Research; D J Rama, President and CEO of Aura Hotels; Chetan Mishan, General Manager of Gujarat Tourism; along with tour operators, hoteliers, and officials and stakeholders from the tourism sector.