In a bid to boost its tourism sector, the Gujarat government has earmarked a substantial sum of Rs 200 crore for the development of Special Tourism Zones (STZ) within the state. These zones, set to be established as both greenfield and brownfield projects, aim to enhance tourism infrastructure and experiences, ultimately attracting global players in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. State officials revealed that while the Union government provides funding for the creation of special tourism zones, the Gujarat tourism department has allocated Rs 200 crore in its annual budget for this purpose. The Union government’s comprehensive policy on special tourism projects is expected to provide the majority of funding for these initiatives. Diverse sites across
Gujarat have been identified for transformation into STZs, including Dholavira, Shivrajpur, Sir Creek, and the border areas of Banaskantha.
While Dholavira, Shivrajpur, and the Banaskantha border areas will undergo development as brownfield STZs, the Sir Creek region is selected for development as a greenfield STZ. Under the Union government’s STZ policy, states stand to receive substantial funding based on predetermined performance-linked parameters. In the initial phase, a greenfield STZ can secure Rs 300 crore, while a brownfield STZ can access Rs 100 crore. Subsequently, if states meet the outlined criteria, they become eligible for further funding, with Rs 200 crore allocated for greenfield projects and Rs 100 crore for brownfield projects in Phase 2.
These zones aim to elevate the overall tourism experience and create new benchmarks for tourism infrastructure, products, and services. In line with the guidelines set by the Union government, each STZ must possess a distinctive identity, with comprehensive master plans provided by respective state governments. Additionally, projects must prioritize sustainability and responsibility, focusing on the integrated development of the entire area. With the vision of developing world-class tourism zones and attracting international tourists, Gujarat is poised to leverage its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes to establish itself as a premier destination on the global tourism map.
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