Jaipur, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Rajasthan government has officially launched the ambitious Rajasthan Tourism Policy-2025, timed with the celebrations of Pravasi Rajasthani Divas.

During a tourism session at the JECC complex in Sitapura, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma introduced the policy in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, senior officials, and key players from the tourism sector, including members of the Non-Resident Rajasthani community.

Chief Minister Sharma characterized the policy as a “visionary document” aimed at positioning Rajasthan as a leader in both national and global tourism.

According to him, the policy is set to enhance investment, foster innovation, create job opportunities, and encourage community involvement, marking a significant stride towards achieving the Developed Rajasthan 2047 vision.

He also revealed that a dedicated unit will be established to oversee the timely execution of the policy’s initiatives. Furthermore, the state will prioritize the PPP model and streamline the business environment to facilitate rapid tourism growth.

A digital single-window portal will be created to manage all tourism-related permissions, along with an integrated digital platform designed for grading tourism enterprises and monitoring activities.

The Chief Minister announced the introduction of the annual Rajasthan Tourism Awards and scholarships for tourism education, along with incentives for skills development in tourism businesses.

Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari stated that the policy aims to elevate the state to a globally competitive, tourist-friendly destination. She emphasized the government’s commitment to aligning Rajasthan’s rich culture, heritage, art, and natural diversity with the expectations of modern travelers.

Describing the policy as a holistic framework, she noted that it would stimulate employment and accelerate growth in emerging areas such as digital tourism, religious circuits, astro-tourism, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism.

The government’s vision includes strengthening infrastructure, modernizing facilities, enhancing safety measures, and leveraging advanced digital and AI tools in tourism management.

The policy proposes the establishment of Special Tourism Zones (STZs) in selected districts, utilizing a plug-and-play model where the government provides essential infrastructure while private entities supply hospitality services.

Under the Krishna Gaman Path and Braj-Dwarka pilgrimage routes, facilities at major temples will see upgrades. Additionally, wildlife and religious tourism hubs will be developed in collaboration with the Forest and Devasthan Departments.

The government plans to incorporate 3D laser scanning of monuments, VR experiences, digital museums, and light-and-sound shows. Enhanced digital outreach efforts will include new tourism films, influencer partnerships, and social media campaigns.

A new tourism web portal, mobile application, chatbot, digital maps, and guidebooks will be launched to improve tourist convenience. Each district will have a District Tourism Development Committee (DTDC) chaired by the Collector, acting as the local Destination Management Organization (DMO).

Regular meetings will be conducted to address challenges, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Rajasthan will introduce hop-on hop-off buses, prepaid taxi booths, e-scooters, rental bicycles, and guided e-vehicle services in major tourist areas. A Rajasthan Travel Card will provide integrated access to various modes of transport.

The policy expands tourism prospects through astro-tourism, food festivals, eco-tourism, adventure sports, bird-watching circuits, valour-themed circuits, and the creation of a film city along with multi-purpose event stadiums. Signature events like the Pushkar Fair, Maru Festival, and Lake Festival will be revitalized.

New initiatives for heritage preservation will focus on manuscripts, tribal culture, textiles, and traditional crafts, complemented by broadened wellness and cultural tourism offerings.