Though the occasion of the of World Tourism Day in Rajasthan is downcast by the coronavirus pandemic, the spirit of the new policy is here to keep the enthusiasm high. The new tourism policy of the state of Rajasthan works in-sync with the theme of World Tourism Day, ‘Tourism and Rural Development’, shifting focus to the promotion of tourism in rural and lesser-known regions of the state.
This new tourism policy of the state, highlights the attractions of the rural areas and other not so commonly known regions, in the hopes of capturing the attention of a new tourist base post the withdrawal of the active COVID pandemic.
Policy for Rural Economy
The Rajasthan government’s new tourism policy provides for innovative tourism products and services with the focus on lesser known destinations especially in the rural areas. The tourism officials informed that the Chief Minister has also directed and authenticated the promotion of tourism villages as a means to bring respite to the rural economy.
“Across the world, Covid-19 has impacted the livelihoods of millions of people related to travel and tourism. Rajasthan government is effectively working to mitigate its effect in the state. The new tourism policy and other initiatives by the government are offering support to the industry. As the situation eases and India passes through unlock phases, the facilities for the visitors need to be revamped and aligned with the new normal,” said the Principal Secretary of Tourism, Rajasthan.
The tourism sector has undoubtedly taken the hardest blow, by means of complete restriction of movement and travel as a precaution and strives for revival. The Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020 promotes new investments in developing new tourist venues with the focus on strengthening infrastructure and improving road, rail and air connectivity. The officials of the tourism department further highlighted how the promotion of local crafts and cuisine has been encapsulated in the new policy provisions to fabricate a conducive environment to enable the tourism industry in the state, emphasizing on the safety and security of the tourists.
Development of Tourism Industry
Tourism village, Rajasthan images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com
The Tourism department has also been working to encourage skill development in rural regions and strengthening of the Tourist Protection Force. Several measures, tax rebates and relaxations have been further offered by the state in an attempt to promote tourist start-ups and other experiential tourism initiatives all over the state, especially in the provincial rural areas.
Besides declaring reimbursement of the state’s GST share to hotels and restaurants, the state has also relaxed the motor vehicle tax for vehicles of more than 22-person capacity and further ease has been granted for the renewal of bar licenses. In order to allow businesses to operate in a safe environment, the tourism department has issued SOPs for hotels, restaurants and film shoots in the state. SOPs have also been issued for safe tourism in the state and all tourist destinations and monuments are being sanitized.
-With inputs from IANS
The state government has offered several relief measures for existing tourism businesses in view of Covid-19. The tourism department has also formulated strategies to ensure safe tourism by issuing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The state government has already declared
