Rajasthan Tourism soars under Diya Kumari's leadership

The tourism sector of Rajasthan is undergoing a dynamic transformation under the strategic leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. According to Mr. Ravi Jain, Secretary of Tourism Rajasthan, her visionary approach and deep understanding of the sector have positioned Rajasthan as a prominent player on the global tourism map. With her personal association with the tourism and hospitality industry, Diya Kumari has brought fresh energy to the sector, setting new standards in development and innovation.

The recently held Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit underscored the growing importance of tourism in the state’s economy. Highlighting Rajasthan’s tourism potential, a special session focused on encouraging investment in heritage sites, eco-tourism, and innovative travel experiences. Mr. Jain stated that the department is prioritizing the development of tourism infrastructure, job creation, and strengthening Rajasthan’s global presence.

The upcoming IIFA Awards 2025, scheduled for March 7-9 in Jaipur, are expected to elevate Rajasthan’s international appeal. This high-profile event will promote local art and culture while contributing significantly to the state’s economy and film tourism. According to Mr. Jain, the Deputy Chief Minister’s vision is to establish Rajasthan as a leading global tourism destination while increasing its contribution to the state’s GDP.

The state, known for its historical landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ramsar wetlands, and wildlife sanctuaries such as Ranthambore and Sariska, is much more than a tourist attraction. It is a unique blend of tradition, culture, and modernity. These attractions not only draw visitors from across the globe but also contribute to biodiversity conservation.

According to Mr. Ravi Jain, the state has allocated a budget of ₹5000 crore to promote cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. This fund will accelerate the conservation of heritage sites and initiate new projects. The implementation of a single-window clearance system has simplified processes for stakeholders, enhancing the ease of conducting business in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Under Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari’s leadership, Rajasthan Tourism is advancing with a clear focus on heritage preservation, sustainable practices, and innovation, paving the way to become a global leader in tourism.

Investment Highlights from Rising Rajasthan Summit

The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 attracted widespread interest from domestic and international investors. The Tourism Department signed 1320 MOUs worth ₹96,967.61 crore, with the potential to create 2,02,607 jobs. These investments span various sectors, including hotels, resorts, entertainment parks, eco-tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and wellness tourism. Proposals for film cities, ropeways, and heritage projects were also received, indicating a diverse range of opportunities.

Innovative Initiatives

Rajasthan Tourism has launched programs like Cultural Diaries, a bi-weekly event at Albert Hall showcasing folk art and culture. Additionally, the department has supported 26 film and documentary shoots and organized roadshows across destinations such as Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh, and Ranthambore.

Efforts to boost both domestic and international tourism have gained momentum, with a particular emphasis on religious tourism and cultural exchange:

Religious Tourism: The Honorable Prime Minister inaugurated a laser water show at the iconic Sanwaliya Seth Temple and laid the foundation stones for tourism development projects at key sites like Keshoraipatan in Bundi and the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok.
International Tourism: The state hosted the prestigious Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) in Jaipur, attracting 242 Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) from 52 countries and 300 sellers from across India.
Domestic Tourism: The Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart (RDTM) organized in Jaipur witnessed participation from 650 tour operators and over 13,500 B2B meetings, strengthening partnerships and opening new avenues.

Additionally, the Wed-In Expo showcased Rajasthan as a premier wedding destination, while a grand cultural program on Republic Day welcomed the President of France in Jaipur, underlining the rich heritage of the state.

Safety and Skill Development

Safety for Travelers: The Tourist Assistance Force has been addressing issues such as harassment since its launch on February 15, 2024, ensuring a secure environment for women and solo travelers.
Skill Development: The state’s Tourism Skill Development Program aims to train 20,000 youth and folk artists over the next two years. Training programs in guiding, hospitality, and traditional arts are already underway, with 261 individuals trained through Jawahar Kala Kendra and 214 artisans under the Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotion Project.

Recognition and Accolades

According to Dalip Singh Rathore, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Rajasthan’s efforts in tourism have received recognition nationally and internationally. The state has earned several awards, including:

Best Wedding Destination by Travel Plus Leisure
Best Domestic State Award by Travel Leisure
Favorite Road Trips Destination by Condé Nast Traveler
Pilgrimage Destination of the Year by IITM Bengaluru
Most Promising Wedding Destination by Travel and Tourism Fair, Patna
Best Heritage Destination by Gujarat Travel Fair Expo
Best Wildlife Hotel Award for RTDC’s Castle Jhoomar Baori at Sawai Madhopur
Best Digital Marketing by State Award at IATO’s 39th Annual Convention in Bhopal