The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) has drawn up an ambitious plan to develop tourist regions in various districts across the state. The government has called for expression of interest to develop these regions as integrated tourism spots. These include Dwarka-Nageshwar-Bet Dwarka, Lothal, Matano Madh, Becharaji, Palitana, Viramgam, Polo, Idar, Shamlaji, Porbandar, Modhera, Umargaon, Ambaji, Tarnetar and Jamnagar.

The CEPT University, on the basis of tourist inflow (both domestic and international), has identified sites in fifteen different districts. It has also started a competition where individuals will have to submit their architectural plans.

The best design will be awarded the contract for developing the project. The state government has now prioritised the project.

“At Palitana, we will have a project that will integrate the existing facilities to bridge the gap between earlier projects and the new ones. The TCGL will develop tourism infrastructure including roads, electrification, gardening, plantation, upgradation of furniture, signage and existing tourist spots,” said a TCGL official refusing to be named.

He added: “We have also organised a competition where architects will have to submit their plans. The best design will win the project. All the projects put together will cost over Rs 100 crore.” In the last three years, the tourism sector in the state has seen a growth. As per government data, the total number of tourists was 1, 41, 23,031 in 2007-2008 compared to 1,23,43,328 in 2006-2007. This year (2008-2009), the number has already reached 1,03,52,492 (till November 2008).