As the World Tourism Day is being celebrated on Sunday this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic with the theme “Tourism and Rural Development”, the Rajasthan government’s newly announced tourism policy also complements this theme and keeps rural tourism in focus.
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, confirmed tourism officials.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has further directed the tourism promotion in villages as a mean to strengthen the rural economy, they said.
“Across the world, Covid-19 has impacted the livelihoods of millions of people related to travel and tourism. Rajasthan government is working effectively 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 Alok Gupta, Principal Secretary Tourism, Rajasthan.
As the tourism sector is the worst-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and is striving for revival, the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020 promotes new investments in developing new tourist venues, the official said.
The policy emphasises on the safety and security of the tourists. It has been creating a conducive environment for enabling the tourism sector in the state. Promoting local craft and cuisine is also the part of the policy.
The state government offers 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 tourist destinations and monuments are being sanitized and there is added emphasis on social awareness and hygiene in the new policy.