Gujarat : An Enduring Strong Economy

Tourism

Gujarat : An Enduring Strong Economy Population : Over 50 million (5.0% of India) Geographical area : 1,96,000 sq. km (6.2% of India) Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) : US$45.3 billion Per Capita Income : US$915 at current prices Urbanisation : 37.4% High industrial growth : Gujarat has demonstrated a high industrial growth rate of 12.5% from 2002-2007 Industrialisation : Gujarat is home to over 800 large Composition of GSDP as per economic activity (2006-07) 18.2% industries and 3,20,000 micro, small and medium enterprises Primary sector Secondary sector Tertiary sector 44.0% 37.8% Source: Socio Economic Review 2007-08 2

Gujarat : A Thriving Industrial State Contribution to India's economy Presence across industry sectors Employees No. of Factories Net value added by manufacture Value of output Fixed capital investment Exports 9.5% 10.0% 14.0% 15.6% 17.0% 19.2% Petroleum products Chemical & Pharma Engineering Industries Food & Beverages Textiles & Apparels Mineral based industries 31.2 % 22.9 % 12.6 % 9.7 % 6.5 % 2.9 % Coastline Stock market capitalization 22.0% 30.0% Metallurgical Industries Others 7.5 % 6.7 % Significant share in key sectors & products Soda ash production Salt processing Diamond processing 85.0% 80.0% 98.0% World s largest producer of castor and cumin World s largest gas based single location sponge iron plant Plastic industry 65.0% World s largest producer of processed diamonds Petrochemicals 58.0% World s 3rd largest producer of denim Chemicals 50.0% Asia s largest grass root petroleum refinery at Jamnagar Groundnut Pharmaceuticals Cotton 42.3% 42 % 35.0% India s largest producer of cotton India s first LNG chemical port terminal at Hazira Fabrics 30.0% Source: Socio Economic Review 2007-08 3

Gujarat: Robust Infrastructure Power Dependable power supply key to industrial development Present power generation capacity is 9,628 MW; plans afoot to raise it to 25,000 MW by 2012 Per capita power consumption is 1,354 units against the national average of 665 units Rich availability of natural gas (34 MMCD) and lignite (1,072 MMT) 24-hour 3-phase uninterrupted power supply Gujarat is the only State to carry out interlinking of rivers Water An extensive water grid network of 75,000 km for irrigation and drinking It will cover 75% population of the state by 2010 Gas Transformation of economy through natural gas Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL) supplies piped gas to 13 districts, 5 more districts will be added Total length of Integrated Gas Grid will be 2,200 km, of which 1,453 km is complete and the rest is under construction 4

Gujarat: Robust Infrastructure Rail and Road Surfaced road length one of the highest in India State-of-the-art road infrastructure: India s first National Expressway from Ahmedabad to Baroda Total road length is 74, 018 km - 95% surfaced road Total rail length - 5188 km (8.25% of India) Gujarat Ports opening the gateway to prosperity 42 ports along 1,600 km coastline, including 1 major port at Kandla and 41 minor ports Landmark projects such as LNG port terminal at Hazira developed by Shell India Limited, green field port at Mundra developed by Gujarat Adani Port Limited, LNG terminal at Dahej developed by Petronet LNG Ltd. and Pipapav port developed by Gujarat Pipapav Port Ltd Ports Airports Airport connectivity a cutting edge for business 13 airports - Vadodara, Surat, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Bhuj, Pipavav, Mandvi, Mundra, Kandla, Palanpur and Ahmedabad (International Airport) 5

Gujarat: Introduction Gujarat has an immense potential to become a major tourist destination. Its historical monuments represent the great religions of Asia Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Zoroastrianism and Sikhism. For eco-tourists, the state offers opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife including the Asiatic lion and Indian wild ass, endangered antelopes, a variety of deer, etc. It has India s first marine national park. Gujarat is also one of India s most important areas for birdwatchers. There are more than 400 archaeological sites in the state including some of the most substantial excavations of Indus Valley civilisation period at Lothal (near Ahmedabad), Surkotada and Dholavira (in Kutch). The archaeological zone of Champaner -Pavagadh has been acclaimed by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site because of its great mosques, temples, stepwells and forts. The Wild Ass sanctuary, Dholavira Harappan City and Rani-Ki-Vav are in the process of getting the status of the World Heritage site. Gujarat has many enchanting tourist places, memorable historic monuments and sacred pilgrimages, depicting the glorious cultural heritage, which can attract both Indian and international travellers. Culture Art & Craft Kite Festival Asiatic Lion The state has important pilgrimage places like Dwarka, Somnath, Dakor, Ambaji, etc for Hindus; Udwada, Navsari and Surat for Parsees; and Palitana, Girnar, etc for Jains. Source: India Guide Gujarat, 2007; Vision 2020, GIDB 6

Gujarat: Introduction Medical tourism is expected to experience a high growth potential because of the availability of high-quality, low cost surgeries at Gujarat s hospitals. The large Gujarati population in America, Europe and Africa can be a major growth driver for this segment of tourism. The domestic air-traffic in Gujarat increased from 1.21 million in 2005-06 to 1.93 million in 2006-07 and the international air-traffic increased from 0.13 million in 2005-06 to 0.33 million in 2006-07 (Deccan Airways has started Helicopter services at Girnar for the tourists). Kuwait Airlines, Jet Airways, Air India, Al Arabia, Qatar, Singapore Airlines and Emirates are the international flights from Ahmedabad. Most of the leading Indian airlines Indian, Jet, Kingfisher, Air Sahara, Deccan, Spicejet, Go, etc. have flights to and from Ahmedabad. The State witnessed a total of 12.34 million tourists during 2006 07 out of 10.6% Average contribution of tourism to GDP 2.5% 5.3% 10.6% Gujarat India World Average tourist spend (one person per day) Domestic Tourists Rs. 500 Rs. 630 Foreign Tourists $700-1050 $1250 which 12.1 million were the domestic tourists and 0.20 million foreign tourists. The average contribution of tourism industry to the State s GDP is close to 2.5%, Gujarat India Gujarat India while the comparable figure for India is 5.3%. The average foreign tourist spend per person per day is close to US$700 to 1050 in Gujarat. Source: Industries Commissionerate,2007; Accelerating Growth in Gujarat, CII 7

Key Current Statistics The total flow of tourist during the year 2006 07 was 12.34 million and recorded a growth of 15% over the previous year. Growth of 18.5% was observed in the tourist flow from foreign countries during 2006-07. With a number of more than 200,000 foreign tourists in 2006-07 and around 1,75,000 in 2005-06. Ahmedabad, Ambaji and Dwarka are the major tourist destinations which invited maximum number of tourist in Gujarat. These three destinations accounted for 33% of the total tourist flow in the state Almost 78% of the tourist flow in 2006 07 was from within Gujarat. The share of other Indian states was 20.6%. The foreign tourists accounted for 1.68% in the total tourist flow The majority of tourist visit for the business purpose (53%) in the state, subsequently followed by religious visit (35%). 8% of the of the tourist visit for the leisure purpose, which is showing an increase in the trend 12.5 12 11.5 11 10.5 10 9.5 Gross tourist flow 2006-07 12.34 10.7 2005-06 2006-07 Year Tourist Flow 15% Growth Tourists origin (2006-07) 2% 21% Table 1: Purpose of tourist flow (Numbers in million) Purpose 2004-05 Flow 2005-06 Flow 2006-07 Flow Number % Number % Number % Business Leisure 4.06 0.39 54 5 5.87 0.51 55 5 6.53 0.96 53 8 77% Religion 2.81 37 3.84 36 4.33 35 With in Gujarat OIS * Foreigners Other Total 0.34 7.61 4 100 0.48 10.70 4 100 0.53 12.34 4 100 * OIS Other Indian States Source: Tourist Flow in Gujarat, TCGL, Annual Report 2006-07 8

Key Current Statistics Fig. 6: Purpose of tourist flow (2006-07) 4% 35% 53% Fig. 7: Individual destination flow from other states (2006-07) 5% 4% 4% 3% 4%4% 4% 22% 7% 18% 8% 11% 14% Business Leisure Religion Other Ahmedabad Dwarka Vadodra Surat Becharaji Ambaji Junagadh / Girnar Jamnagar Rajkot Bharuch Gandhinagar Somnath Key highlights Gujarat attracts around 12 million domestic tourists per annum (2006 07) Gujarat has a large number of theme restaurants, multiplexes and water parks More than 2000 fairs and festivals important state for event-based tourism especially based on Navratri, Kite Festival and Tarnetar Fair etc. Source: Tourist Flow in Gujarat, TCGL, Annual Report 2006-07 9

Value Chain Analysis The Tourism value chain concentrates on meeting and exceeding visitors expectations of the internal quality of a destination. Those aspects of a destination that involve every step from pre-visit image, marketing and after sales care and commitment Each stage of the visitors journey is an important aspect. A quality experience along each of the stages would result in a satisfied customer, who will talk to friends and family about their good experience There are many ways in which the businesses in an area can be made easy for visitors journeying along the chain. Each stage proposes ways in which the key principles can be incorporated into actions. This way would create a sustainable approach to the quality a tourism destination offers Backward linkages Tourism value chain Pre-visit image / Information Logistics Operations Marketing and promotion Bookings Journey to destination Initial welcome Information at destination Places to stay Attraction and activities Places to eat Infrastructure and environment Farewell and return journey After visit memory and contact Marketing Services 10

Emerging Areas Spiritual tourism Well being tourism Heritage tourism Cultural tourism Sun and beach Sports-water and adventure sports Nature tourism Urban and rural tourism Cruises Theme parks Meetings and conferences-convention centre Golf tourism Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 11

Sector Strengths Religious tourism For Hindus, Gujarat has important sites like two jyotirlingas at Somnath and Dwarka (Nageshwar), one of the four dhams at Dwarka, two of the 51 shakti peeths at Ambaji (Legend says heart fell) and Mahakali in Pawagadh; one of the five holy lakes of India at Narayan Sarovar; and one of the seven holiest rivers of the Somnath temple Hindus is the Narmada which flows through Gujarat. There are also important temples at Dakor, Virpur, Khodiyar, Sarangpur, etc. The Bhuvaneshwari temple of Gondal is among the two in India. These temples attract Hindus from around India and many Hindu NRIs visit these holy places at least once in their lifetime. Three of the four most important pilgrimages for the Parsees Sacred Iranshaw Fire Temple at Udvada, Navsari Atashbehram and Surat Atashbehram are in Gujarat. Besides these, Sanjan, where the Parsees landed in India is also in Gujarat. Akshardham temple Akshardham, Gadhada, Bachosan, Gondal, Sarangpur, etc. are some of the famous Swaminarayan temple. Swaminarayans form a wealthy sect. Two of the five important Jain sites in India are at Palitana and Girnar. In addition to these, there is a regular flow of Jain pilgrims to Sankeshwar, Taranga, Kumbhariyaji, Badhreshwar, Mandvi 79 Jinalaya, Naliya, Mahudi, etc. The dargahs of Sarkhej and Unjha are among the much visited Islamic sites of India. The ashrams of Morari Bapu, Rameshji Oza, Asharam Bapu, etc are on the spiritual tourism map of India. Dwarka temple Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 12

Sector Strengths Archaeological and heritage tourism Gujarat is rich in archaeological sites including world heritage site of Champaner; Indus Civilisation sites such as Lothal and Dholavera; ancient Buddhist sites, etc. Ahmedabad s heritage walk is the only daily departure heritage walking tour in India. Gujarat s princely heritage has resulted in the state having more than 20 heritage hotels including converted forts and palaces. Adalaj Vav Cultural tourism Gujarat is the land of rich handicrafts like Patola weaving, khadi, bandhani, embroidery, block printing, rogan painting, matani pachhedi, namda, woodcrafts, metal crafts, bamboo crafts, pithora, pottery, etc. Handicraft The state has a variety of colourful communities from the camel herders of the Kutch desert to the hill tribes of Sabarkanta, Banaskanta, Chhota Udepur, Dangs, etc. Event-based tourism Unique festivals and fairs like Navratri, Uttaranyana/Makar Sankranti, Sharad Poornima, Mahashivaratri melas, Tarnetar Fair, Kvant Fair, Chitra Vichitra Fair, Dangs Durbar, etc. The Gujarat government has created successful events like Rann Utsav, Modhera Dance Festival, International Kite Festival, Vibrant Gujarat, etc. Navratri Festival Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 13

Sector Strengths Business tourism Gujarat is one of the leading state in investment and has attracted huge investments in recent years, resulting in tremendous growth in business tourism Business Meet 55 SEZs in the state reflects an increased share of business tourist, air traffic and road traffic The increase in business tourists is a growth driver for hospitality industry. Entertainment and recreational tourism A 1666km long coastline with many good beaches. A hill station at Saputara and other hill stations in south, east and north Gujarat. One of India s first multiplexes came up at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Since then, there are multiplexes and good cinema theatres in most of the cities in Gujarat. India s first water park came up at Mehsana in Gujarat. India s first drive-in is at Ahmedabad. The Science City at Ahmedabad has IMAX theatre and other entertainment. Shopping malls are mushrooming in the affluent cities of Gujarat. Gujarat has some of India s best museums. Wild Adventure Wildlife tourism Gujarat has four national parks and 21 sanctuaries. It is the only home of the Asiatic lion, Indian wild ass and many beautiful animal and birds. The whale shark breeds on the Gujarat coast. The Gulf of Kutch is India s first marine national park. Asiatic Lions Okha is one of the few places in India where dugong is found. Abdasa Taluka of Kutch is one of the few places where the Indian Bustard is breeding successfully. Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 14

Sectoral Strengths Well-being tourism Ayurveda Gujarat has world class hospitals at Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Karamsad, Nadiad, etc. A large number of NRGs come for treatment at these hospitals. Gujarat has been the home of Ayurveda for centuries, and many herbs used in the natural cures promoted by Ayurvedic sciences are grown in the state. Gujarat has a presence of ayurvedic colleges and pharmacies all over the state. Jamnagar is one of the most important places for ayurvedic studies in India The ayurvedic treatment available in the state cater to the need of foreigners and tourists visiting the state The Cambay Spa at Gandhinagar offers a variety of treatments. There are centres for naturopathy, homeopathy, pranic healing, reiki, etc. in Gujarat. Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 15

Investment Opportunities Hotels Adventure aero sports Apartment hotel Location: Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Bhuj (Katch), Mandvi, Somnath, Valsad, Vapi, Mehsana, Champaner, Kutch Location: Saputara, Pavagadh and Junagadh Location: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Champaner (Pavagadh), Mandvi (Kutch), Pingleshwar (Kutch) and Surat Beach water sports Entertainment Location: Ubharat, Nargol, Dwarka / Bet Dwarka, Ahmedpur Mandvi, Tithal, Madhavpur, Harshad Mata, Mandvi (Kutch), Chorwad and Dummas (Surat) Cruise Services upstream Narmada Dam Location: Saputara, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Valsad, Navsari, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Champaner (Pavagadh), Bharuch/ Ankleshwar, Mundra, Gandhidham Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 16

Investment Opportunities Leisure and knowledge Motel and cottages Recreation (Restaurants and cafetarias) Location: Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Vodhera, Sidhhpur, Idar,Pavagadh, Adalaj, Vadodara, Dandi, Ranpur, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dholavira, Lothal, Morbi, Somnath, Ahmedabad and Vadnagar Location: Coastal belt of Porbandar and Jamnagar district, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Kutch and Bharuch Location: National and State Highways touching Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Champaner (Pavagadh), Bharuch, Surat, Valsad, Godhra, Himmatnagar, Khedbrahma, Mehsana, Palanpur, Viramgam, Gandhidham and Mundra Day and weekend tourism Well being tourism Location: Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodra and Bhuj Location: Gondal, Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar (Ayurvedic Treatment) and Rajkot (Allopathic Treatment) Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 17

Investments in Pipeline A joint venture company (JVC) formed with IL&FS IDC for undertaking development of tourism and civil aviation projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mandavi Kutch Dholavira Kutch Sasangir and Somnath Junagadh Champaner Panchmahal Dwarka Jamnagar Somnath Temple Development of convention centre at Surat and Vadodara Development of air strips for enhancing connectivity between the tourist destinations 18

Critical Factors for Investors Gujarat scenario Increase in the tourist flow Availability of manpower Youthfullness index Experimentation index Globalisation index Cosmopolitan index Income distribution Utilities and transportation Safety High Medium 19

Investment Locations Map - Hotels Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Bhuj (Katch), Mandvi, Somnath, Valsad, Vapi, Mehsana, Champaner and Kutch Adventure aero sports Saputara, Pavagadh and Junagadh Entertainment Saputara, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Porbander, Valsad, Navsari, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Champaner (Pavagadh), Bharuch/ Ankleshwar, Mundra and Gandhidham Pingleshwar Kutch Mandvi Kuda Apartment hotel Beach water sports Leisure and knowledge Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Champaner (Pavagadh), Mandvi (Kutch), Pingleshwar (Kutch) and Surat Ubharat, Nargol, Dwarka / Beyt Dwarka, Ahmedpur Mandvi, Tithal, Madhavpur, Harshad Mata, Mandvi (Kutch), Chorwad and Dummas (Surat) Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Modhera, Sidhhpur, Idar, Pavagadh, Adalaj, Vadodara, Dandi, Ranpur, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Dholavira, Lothal, Morbi, Somnath, Ahmedabad, Vadnagar, Porbandar, Champaner, Pavagadh and Udvada Dwarka Harshad Mata Porbandar Jamnagar Ahmedabad Champaner Pavagadh Rajkot Sasan Bhavnagar Bharuch Junagadh Ubharat Madhavpur Katpar Surat Navsari Amedpur Mandvi Tithal Saputara Vapi Motel and cottages Coastal belt of Porbandar and Jamnagar district, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Kutch and Bharuch Recreation (Restaurants and Cafeterias) National and State Highways touching Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Champaner (Pavagadh), Bharuch, Surat, Valsad, Godhra, Himmatnagar, Khedbrahma, Mehsana, Palanpur, Viramgam, Gandhidham, Mundra, Mandvi and Bharuch Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 20

Support Infrastructure Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. (TCGL) has selected 37 destinations for integrated tourism development In the last two years more than 600 projects in 300 tourist destination have been taken up with a cost of more than US$24 million 35 Pravasi Path of international standards has been taken up in Gujarat, involving an investment of US$19 million Annual tourism budget has been increased from US$7 million to US$24 million. This provision has been enacted in the new five year plan. The increase in budget has been provided for tourism infrastructure projects. Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 21

Support Infrastructure: Major Locations Saputara Air -Nearest airport is Mumbai, 250 km Rail -Nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora -Waghai narrow gauge section of the western railway. Tourists coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Bombay would find Billimora as the most convenient rail head because direct bus service is available from there. Road - State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is situated 409 km from Ahmedabad and 51 km from Waghai. Saputara Lake Somnath-the shrine eternal Air -The nearest airport is at Keshod, (47 km) which is connected with Mumbai Rail -Veraval, (5 km) is the closest railway station Road - State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat to Somnath. Somnath Temple Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 22

Support Infrastructure: Major tourist Locations Dwarka Air -nearest airport is Jamnagar (146 Km) Rail -connects Dwarka and Jamnagar, 132 km away. Connecting Mumbai (945 km) via Rajkot (270 km) and Ahmedabad (453 km). Dwarka lies on the metre gauge link between Viramgam and Okha Road - state transport buses and luxury coaches are available from different parts of the Gujarat Dwarka Temple Gir wildlife sanctuary Air - nearest airport is Rajkot 165 km via Junagadh. Daily flights operate from Mumbai and New Delhi to Rajkot. Rail -one can travel by rail to Junagadh from Ahmedabad or Rajkot and then take a 65 km road trip on bus or taxi to Sasan Gir. Road - distance of 400 km from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda; distance of 43 km from Veraval; and distance of 65 km from Junagadh via Mendarda. Asiatic Lion Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 23

Support Infrastructure: Major Locations Champaner Air -Vadodara is the nearest airport (47 km) connected by daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi Rail -The nearest railhead is Vadodara from where Champaner is accessible by road Road - Champaner is located 47 km by road from Vadodara off National Highway No. 8 Champaner Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam From Bharuch-Ankleswar-Rajpardi, Rajpipla to Kevadia approx. distance 82 km. From Vadodara-Dabhoi-Tilakwada-Garudeshwar to Kevadia-approx distance-90 km. Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 24

Support: Educational Infrastructure To meet the requirement of the trained manpower in the emerging tourism sector, Gujarat has established Institutes for hospitality Education Clusters in Ahmedabad and hotel management The institutes organises various activities viz. food festivals, chef competitions, educational tours, and fairs etc. every year to inculcate professionalism in students and staff Rajkot Gandhinagar In its PPP initiative the government has set up a centre for torism and hospitality management for speeding up training of service providers, guides and tourism personnel with special emphasis on target groups who are mainly from the weaker section of society. Vadodara TCGL-AMA Centre for tourism and hospitality management started at Ahmedabad. There are other private hotel management institutes in the state to provide trained manpower are Vivekananda Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management, Rajkot Gujarat Institute of Hotel Management, Vadodara Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Gandhinagar Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 25

Leading Properties in Gujarat Heritage properties, resorts and star hotels for foreign tourists Orchard Palace/Riverside Palace, Gondal Royal Oasis (Heritage Hotel), Wankaner Taj Residency, Baroda Hotel Rann Riders, Dasada (Little Rann of Kutch) Taj Residency, Ahmedabad Inder Residency, Ahmedabad The Pride Hotel, Ahmedabad Le Meridian, Ahmedabad Fortune Land Mark, Ahmedabad Cama Plaza, Ahmedabad Cambay Resort, Ahmedabad Lords Park Inn International, Surat Taj Gateway, Surat Darbargadh Poshina (Heritage Hotel) The House of MG (Metro Heritage Hotel) Grand Bhagwati, Ahmedabad Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 26

Investment Trend A total of 33 Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) involving an investment of 10,793 crore (US$2.57 billion) were signed at 2007 Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor's Summit (VGGIS). Tourism sector registered an increase of 47% over investments in 2005 VGGIS N u m b er o f M o U s Investments in tourism sector during VGGIS 03, 05, 07 40 30 20 10 0 7 3676 14 7352 34 2003 2005 2007 Year MoU Investment 10793 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 In vestm en ts 27

Case Study Rann Riders Resort The beginning The Rann Riders Resort was conceptualised in the year 1998 and was started with mere 5 rooms at place in that period. Rann Riders is a family-owned and run business. The owners are descendants of Baktiar-ud-din, who was given the 24 sq mile jagir (Indian equivalent of a dukedom) of Dasada and its surrounding villages in return for military services provided to the Sultan of Gujarat in the 15th century. They were given the title of Malik Bakhan-1. In keeping with the tradition of their ancestors, the owners of Dasada assure visitors of undivided attention and the hospitality of the Kathiawad region in which the property falls. The business was started with only INR5 lakhs. Initially the resort used to book only one room per month. The business picked up the pace only after 2003 with the support from friends and Government. A lot of international marketing was done in 2002. Story so far Today Rann Riders has about 20 well-equipped rooms designed, using local materials, to recreate the appearance of a village. Accommodations are in cottages, resembling the kooba houses of the Bajania community of Dasada and the bhunga houses of the Rabaris of Kutch, decorated with mirrors, mudplaster work and embroideries. The resort has good room occupancy in the resort during its peak season between Navratri and Holi. The clientele includes students from IIM-A, MICA, American Embassy Schools, etc., international tourists from Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, weekend tourists from Ahmedabad, corporate houses for company picnics, and tourists mainly from the six metro cities. Today the resort charges US$125 per day for a couple including all meals which was just US$80 at the initial stage, while the rate for domestic tourists has risen from Rs1600 per couple to INR4000 per couple. A conference hall will be ready in 2008 which will boost the business further. Social contribution The resort generates direct and indirect employment to the local people. More than 80% of those employed in the resort including the manager, receptionist, kitchen staff, drivers, waiters and housekeeping staff, excluding those requiring specialised skills like the head chefs are from Dasada taluka. The region is benefiting from visiting the resort as guests of Rann Riders and taking camel cart rides, horse riding, camel rides, bullock cart rides, etc. and paying for music and dance programmes. The resort has plans for the upliftment of the local community and to promote craft and tradition of the place. It has already initiated projects for the Mir community, which is very poor but is getting a good revenue from making bangles for tourists, and is promoting the embroidery of the local Rabaris and Bharwads. The resort has a handicraft shop run by Kala Raksha, a reputed NGO. The way forward The Rann Riders owners have plans to expand its business in near future. The management of the hotel is coming up with two new properties at Nal Sarovar and Kutch. 28

Government Initiatives Proactive government to promote the growth of the sector Development of district level tourism Investment facilitation cell started in TCGL Rationalisation of taxes and duties Integrated development of tourism infrastructure facilities have been planned. Action plan has been worked out for the development and promotion of the tourist locations by all the department, district administration and local bodies. First time synergy among various line departments, district administration and local bodies through action plan and integrated approach. Plans have been made by TCGL for infrastructural facilities and basic services in tourism. Development plan for six tourist destinations by the Pilgrimage Development Board of Gujarat. Action plans by administrative departments and other agencies of State Government. Entertainment tax has been reduced from 50% to 25%. No luxury tax up to tariff of INR500, from INR501 to INR2000 per room 4% tax will be charged and above INR 2000 per room 6% tax is charged. Electricity duty reduced from 35% to 25%, VAT on food reduced to 4% as against 12.5% in other states. The State Government s vision is supported by investor-friendly policies and a conducive environment Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 29

Government Initiatives Gujarat has been awarded for best tourism film, best tourism friendly monument and best tourism literature in the last two years from Ministry of Tourism, Government of India Human resource development TCGL-AMA Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Management has been started at Ahmedabad with corpus fund of INR15 lakhs. 688 trained local tourist guides, 34 trained regional guides Employees of TCGL are trained in Hospitality, computers and E-governance Training of service providers started at Ahmedabad and other 37 important destinations of Gujarat 63 master trainer's training for service providers started at Ahmedabad. 2194 service provider trained Publicity, information and promotion FAM tours organised for tour operators, column writers of travel magazine and photographers MOU signed with West Bengal, Tamilnadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Information Bureau (TIB) opened at Jaipur and 14 new Tourist Reception Centres (TRCs) opened at ST bus stations Websites started in seven different languages Road shows on regular basis at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa, Calcutta and Pune. Gujarat Tourism Guide published as PPP initiative Special incentives Medical tourism policy announced Eco-tourism policy announced Hotel Investment Incentive Scheme introduced Heritage tourism policy declared Source: Tourism Corporation Of Gujarat Ltd., GoG 30

Invest in Gujarat : A world- class Business Destination To Delhi Banaskantha Soda ash and saltbased industries, cement and steel pipes 202 industrial estates across Gujarat Petroleum and brass parts Engineering and ceramics Kutch Jamnagar Porbandar Junagadh Rajkot Amreli Patan Surendranagar Bhavnagar Ahmedabad Mehsana Himmatnagar Gandhinagar Anand Bharuch Kheda Vadodara Surat Panchmahal Narmada Dahod Bio-Tech cluster Gujarat International Finance-Tec City Knowledge corridor Industrial corridor (DMIC) Savli Biotech Park Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) Soda ash and salt based 18 Captive Ports along 1600 km coastline across Gujarat Logistics park 55 special economic zones (SEZs) across Gujarat 202 industrial estates across Gujarat Special Investment Region (SIR) Navsari Valsad To Bombay Chemicals, petrochem. pharma, textiles and engineering 55 special economic zones (SEZs) across Gujarat 31

Key Contacts Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited http://www.gujarattourism.com/ Industries Department, Govt. of Gujarat http:// www.gujaratindustry.gov.in indextb -Industrial Extension Bureau http://www.indextb.com Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation http://www.gidc.gov.in Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board http://www.gidb.org Ministry of Tourism, Government of India http://www.tourisminindia.com 32