MUMBAI, February 23: The Rajasthan government has decided to lease out some of the heritage properties to private parties for being developed as resorts and hotels. "This is the first time that the government is leasing out properties of heritage value for a commercial purpose," state tourism secretary secretary Sunil Arora said.The four properties in Alwar to be leased out include Balaquila Fort, Tijara Fort, Bardod Hunting Lodged and Kesarpur Palace, he said. The government will soon invite tenders for a lease arrangement for which the details are being worked out, he added. "Tourism is the second largest revenue source for Rajasthan," state department of tourism, art and culture assistant director (land bank) Sanjay Pande said. Total revenue from tourism and related services last year was around Rs 1,100 crore and the industry growing at 16 per cent annually, he said.
Tourism is also a major source of foreign exchange and nearly 40 per cent of the total earnings in the state is in dollars. However,lack of infrastructure support is an impediment, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation executive director Vinod Ajmera said. "The state needs better transport facilities and besides more flights, the need of the hour is small airports," he said. Upgradation of the existing Jaipur and Udaipur airports is also required, said Ajmera. Jaipur could do well with an international airport, he added.
Considering the high occupancy rate during the peak season, the state plans to increase accommodation by releasing more properties and encouraging more private hotels, he said. Pande added that plans are afoot to promote more budget hotels. According to Jaisamand Resort promoter Pratap Bhandari, besides the cultural attractions and its sprawling deserts, Rajasthan needs to promote products such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
"The state is losing out on revenue to Kerala, Goa and some northern states which are tapping various sources and promoting several products to encourage tourism," he said.The need of the hour is some variety in the form of added attractions and comforts. The government has realised the need for such innovation, Arora. said.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
