JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has decided to introduce ‘Night Tourism’ in the state from November to give an impetus to tourism. This would mean that the monuments which now close at 5 pm or 6 pm would remain open till 11 pm. The electrification / flood lighting work on the monuments has begun. This was announced by Principal Secretary Tourism Shailendra Agarwal at the 49th FHRAI Annual Convention. He was speaking in a session ‘Interaction with Central/State Government Tourism Officials’ . Night tourism will attract tourists to the state even during the summer months, he said.
Agarwal said that to woo repeat tourists, ‘activity-based’ circuits were being planned. To begin with there would be ‘Handicraft Circuit’, ‘Birding Circuit’ and ‘Spirituality Circuit’. The tourists and visitors would get to see first hand how artisans make crafts in the villages and will also be exposed to their lives in the rural hinterland. The ‘Birding Circuit’ will take the tourists to Keoladeo National Park, Sambhar Lake, Tal Chhapar etc. to indulge in the love of bird watching. The ‘Spiritual Circuit’ will take the tourists to the various temples for which the State is well known.
The Principal Secretary also offered 35 forts in the state to the private sector to develop them on lease basis or in a joint venture. They were also available for an outright sale.
Rajasthan has excellent and varied tourism products by way of lakes, forts, palaces, forests, desert, etc. It is aptly recognized as the ‘bread and butter’ of the state. He said the revised Tourism Policy was under formulation. It will primarily address conversion issues of hotels and easy availability of land. The state also provides 100% exemption of luxury tax for a period of 7 years, 50% exemption from conversion charges and 20% wage / employment subsidy, among other such rebates.
India Post News Service
