Gandhinagar: In a significant step towards enhancing tourism across the state, the Gujarat government has approved the formation of a “District Tourism Development Society (DTDS)” in each district. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi.

The DTDS aims to improve the quality of arrangements at existing tourist destinations and develop new destinations, ensuring more organized, professional, and globally competitive tourism services across the state.

Objectives of the Society:

• Undertake coordinated, rapid, and effective development of tourist destinations at the district level.

• Formulate short-term and long-term plans based on local needs and tourism potential.

• Develop tourism and pilgrimage destinations using state government schemes, enhancing their global appeal.

Key Features of the Society:

Governing and Executive Council:

• The Collector/Municipal Commissioner will serve as Chairman.

• Council will include district-level officers, elected representatives, and members from tourism-related organizations.

• Responsible for policy decisions, planning, funding, project review, and overall development works.

Financial Efficiency:

• A grant of up to ₹10 crore will be allocated to each district annually for tourism development.

• Authority to raise funds from CSR, user fees, and other sources.

• Transparent financial management through a single nodal bank account.

Development Works:

• Beautification and infrastructure development of tourist sites.

• Sanitation, drinking water, toilets, parking, and traffic management.

• Signage, information centers, and guide training.

• Operation of cafeterias, souvenir shops, cottages, and cultural activities under the PPP model.

• Promotion of local handicrafts, games, and employment generation.

Expected Benefits:

• District-level planning ensures faster and more effective implementation.

• Professional management improves the quality of tourism services.

• Financial and administrative independence facilitates smooth operations.

• Strengthened coordination among government, private sector, local organizations, and communities.

• Employment opportunities for local people, with priority for women’s groups and self-help groups.

Through this initiative, tourism services in Gujarat are expected to become more organized, modern, and globally competitive, making the state’s destinations more accessible and attractive to tourists.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Tourism and Pilgrimage Development Dr. Jairam Gamit, Gujarat Tourism Secretary Dr. Rajendra Kumar, other senior officials, while district collectors and commissioners joined via video conference. DeshGujarat