Gujarat Declares 2026-27 as Tourism Year with Exciting Events Planned
Celebrating Gujarat Tourism Year
The Gujarat Government has officially designated 2026-27 as 'Gujarat Tourism Year'. To kick off this initiative, World Tourism Day was commemorated on Sunday at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, led by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
Upcoming Global Sports Events in Gujarat
During the event, the Deputy Chief Minister announced that 'HYROX', a rapidly growing international sports competition, is set to take place in Gandhinagar from November 26 to 28. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 participants, including more than 1,000 international athletes.
"On behalf of the youth and citizens of Gujarat, I extend a warm welcome to HYROX for its upcoming event in Gandhinagar. We aim to establish Gujarat as a new hub for HYROX. The state government is making extensive arrangements, including entertainment and cultural activities, to ensure a memorable experience for all athletes. We are committed to making this a landmark HYROX event. The government is collaborating closely with Team HYROX India to manage logistics for the anticipated 10,000 athletes. While previous HYROX events have been held in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, we are determined to make Gujarat a preferred destination for athletes," stated Harsh Sanghavi to the media.
Additionally, the Tourism Corporation plans to host a special 'Bhajan Clubbing' event for athletes in the evening. An Ironman/Half-Ironman event is also scheduled for February 14 in Ahmedabad, further positioning Gujarat as a global sports tourism destination. Minister of State for Tourism Jayrambhai Gamit was present at the event organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd.
Enhancing Gujarat's Tourism Infrastructure
During the event, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi introduced the official logo for 'Gujarat Tourism Year'. He emphasized the need for collaboration among all tourism stakeholders to provide exceptional services and unforgettable experiences for both domestic and international tourists. He urged hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and taxi drivers to prioritize 'Cleanliness', 'Health', and 'Soft Skills' to enhance Gujarat's tourism appeal. He assured that the government would extend all necessary support.
In addition to significant development projects at religious and spiritual sites like Somnath, Ambaji, Pavagadh, and Dwarka, maintaining cleanliness and civic responsibility at the local level is crucial. He noted that this approach could foster positive social change and stressed the importance of linking every cultural event and festival with tourism.
Creating Job Opportunities through Skill Development
To boost employment in the tourism sector, modern facilities are being developed at religious sites such as Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka, and Pavagadh. The new Homestay Policy will introduce modern homestays in 100 selected villages while preserving their traditional essence.
The State Government is also considering gap funding for tour operators to attract international tourists to festivals like Kawant Holi, Uttarayan, and Navratri, as well as eco-tourism sites such as Dharoi Water Reservoir and Shivrajpur. The government is prepared to offer policies, training, and funding to support the tourism industry. The Minister encouraged tour operators to create appealing tour packages around unique festivals like Navratri, the Kite Festival, and Kawant Holi in Chhota Udepur to draw foreign visitors. Furthermore, the government is focusing on skill development, promoting homestays, and enhancing hygiene facilities in rural and tribal regions. Over 1,000 new tour guides will also be trained to generate employment opportunities.
Promoting Cinematic Tourism
To enhance cinematic tourism and position Gujarat as a film destination, the Deputy Chief Minister launched the 'Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal'. This single-window digital platform aims to streamline the process of obtaining permissions and NOCs for film shoots, making it quicker and more transparent.
Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Tourism
Moreover, eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in areas such as sports, technology, skill training, and education to bolster Gujarat's tourism ecosystem. These partnerships include collaborations with HYROX/Ironman for sports tourism, BookMyShow for digital ticketing, and various educational institutions for skill development.
Acknowledging Stakeholders and Event Conclusion
During the event, Shri Parth Hadia, a homestay operator from Gir Somnath, and Shri Ketan Giri Goswami, a tourist guide from Kutch, shared their success stories. Several homestay operators and tour guides from across the state were recognized as 'Tourism Champions'.
A high-level panel discussion on 'Hospitality, MICE & Investment' was also conducted during the ceremony. Local artisans showcased live demonstrations of Meenakari, woodcraft, and Agate stone craftsmanship.
Tourism Secretary Kuldeep Arya welcomed the guests and provided an overview of the program. The event was attended by the Managing Director of the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Vipin Garg, along with senior officials, industry leaders, tourism stakeholders, hoteliers, and tour operators.