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Gujarat Tourism Soars To New Heights With 22-Fold Increase In Two Decades
In 2003-04, Gujarat attracted just 6.165 million tourists, but by 2022-23, this figure had skyrocketed to over 140 million, with more than 2.2 million of them being international visitors.Gandhinagar: Twenty years ago, Gujarat’s tourism sector was almost negligible, but today it stands as a top destination for travelers globally. In 2003-04, the state saw just 6.165 million tourists, while by 2022-23, this number had soared past 140 million, including over 2.2 million international visitors. Moreover, the tourism department’s budget, which was a mere ₹12 crore in 2001-02, has risen to an impressive ₹1620.06 crore for 2024-25.
Rann Utsav and Kite Festival Gain International Recognition
Former Chief Minister Narendra Modi, seeing the tourism potential of the White Rann in Kutch, introduced the ‘Rann Utsav’ in 2005. Initially a three-day event, it has since grown into a four-month-long extravaganza. To draw international attention to Gujarat’s famous Uttarayan festival, the International Kite Festival was launched. Since 2009, Ahmedabad’s Kankaria Lake has hosted the annual Kankaria Carnival. Other cultural events like the Tana Riri Festival in Vadnagar and Uttarardh Mahotsav at the Modhera Sun Temple, which highlight Indian dance traditions, have also boosted tourism. Gujarat’s Navratri and Garba have achieved global fame, thanks to the Vibrant Navratri Festival.
Statue of Unity, the World’s Tallest Statue, Emerges as a Leading Tourist Destination
In honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India,” and inspired by the vision of former Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the 182-meter-tall Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, was erected in Kevadia, Gujarat. Numerous attractions have been developed around the Statue of Unity, such as 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 built in Kevadia to enhance tourist access. The state government is committed to the comprehensive tourism development of the Kevadia region.
Source: Travel and Tour World
