Jaipur, Nov 27 (NationPress) Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced on Thursday that Rajasthan is making significant strides in tourism, investment, and industrial development.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government's investment-friendly policies and an efficient single-window clearance system have streamlined processes for tourism-related investments.

He encouraged investors to seize more opportunities in the state, promising them complete governmental support.

Sharma was speaking at the pre-summit event organized by the Tourism Department as part of the Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas celebrations held at a private hotel.

He highlighted that this event signifies a unified effort to place Rajasthan prominently on the global tourism map, while also fortifying emotional connections between overseas Rajasthanis and their home state, providing them avenues to participate in its development.

The Chief Minister revealed plans for a forthcoming tourism policy aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, focusing on tourist amenities, marketing initiatives, fairs and festivals, as well as advancements in digital and AI technologies, skill development, youth employment, and investment.

A specialized policy implementation unit will also be established. He mentioned that the state government has accorded industry status to the tourism and hospitality sector, underscoring its dedication to the sector's expansion.

Sharma pointed out that Rajasthan's extensive potential—highlighted by its magnificent forts, palaces, havelis, the Thar Desert, wildlife sanctuaries, sacred sites, and serene lakes—positions it as a unique tourism destination.

The state's tourism sector is witnessing remarkable growth, with over 150 million domestic and 1.2 million foreign tourists recorded by August this year.

Sharma further stated that during the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, the government signed MOUs worth a total of Rs 35 lakh crore, with groundbreaking for projects valued at Rs 7 lakh crore already underway.

Among these, 1,702 MOUs were focused on the tourism sector. These initiatives are expected to attract investments nearing Rs 1,44,625 crore and generate over 2 lakh direct jobs.

He added that 277 projects have already progressed to the groundbreaking phase, involving investments of approximately Rs 10,000 crore and creating over 16,000 direct jobs. Sharma stated that the government is actively promoting religious tourism in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of development intertwined with heritage.

Under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD 2.0 initiatives, projects are in progress at significant religious sites such as Khatushyamji, Karni Mata Temple, and Malaseri Dungri.

Advancements on the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit, Braj Chaurasi Parikrama, and Krishna Gaman Path are also moving swiftly. He remarked that the government is broadening its focus to encompass rural, wellness, adventure, eco, and tribal tourism, alongside cultural, craft-cuisine, wedding, medical, and film tourism.

To safeguard the region's heritage, conservation efforts for 662 historic havelis in Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu are in progress, which will significantly enhance tourism in Shekhawati.

Sharma mentioned that the state government is fostering film production under the Rajasthan Film Tourism Promotion Policy, which offers subsidies up to Rs 2 crore. Relief has also been granted on shooting fees in government properties and public areas. A new film tourism promotion policy will soon be announced.

He also added that the government has set up the Rajasthan Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund amounting to Rs 5,000 crore to enhance cultural heritage and promote eco-friendly tourism.

Under the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Program, 20,000 youth and folk artists will receive training in guiding, hospitality, and traditional arts. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and other officials were present during this announcement.