While unveiling the Ministry of Tourism’s (MoT) 100-day agenda, Kumari Selja, Union Minister for Tourism had announced policy initiatives for promotion of innovative programmes like Caravan Tourism in a bid to boost the sector. She had stated that Caravan Tourism will be developed as a niche tourism product and Jaipur finds its name in its target list. The new policy guidelines for promotion of Caravan Tourism and facilitating infrastructure for the project will be announced soon. She was of the opinion that the project will be successful in places where there is good and well-maintained road network and restaurants. Hence, at present, MoT is zeroing in on Rajasthan along with Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, the Western Ghats and hilly areas to promote the concept. MoT plans to explore Jaipur-Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur-Mount Abu, Delhi-Sariska-Ranthambore, Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Pushkar as the popular routes for the caravan journeys.
Though the Jaipur Tourism Department is yet to get any official communication from the Centre regarding the project, the officials in Jaipur are upbeat about it. According to a report in Times of India, on its part, the Union government is all set to formulate a policy to license such vehicles which can be rented for Rs 3000 to Rs 5000. With the Commonwealth Games 2010 drawing near, the government is likely to make the most of the heavy tourist inflow that is expected to come into the country to watch the sporting spectacle. “It is a great concept. If MoT has included us in the target states, it is a good sign for tourism here and we'll extent full support to the programme. It is not being practised in the state as of now and a niche beginning like this will certainly be beneficial,” says Usha Sharma, Tourism Commissioner, Rajasthan. Factors like better connectivity with the national capital, good road network and being on the list of must-visit destinations for majority of foreigners touring the country makes Rajasthan a preferred locale for the adventure on wheels.
The idea has stirred quite an interest among the hospitality fraternity, with those who are already into camps and safaris showing great deal of zeal and terming the idea a potential winner. “It is a good idea. The state has many locations that can be explored. Already camp safaris are popular and if tourists, especially foreigners, get the facility where in they can move at their will, it will be a winning prospect,” says Shatrunjai Singh, Promoter of Deogarh Mahal, who specialises in camping safaris.
Reggie Singh, Owner of camel camp Osian says, “We need to develop infrastructure. The roads should be upgraded, there should be facilities where in caravans can be parked safely in the countryside as safety is utmost on the minds of travellers.” Facilities like one-point access to information need to be implemented and also it needs to be ensured that for a project like this the government and the private players work in sync with and complement each other. |