Govt opens door for investment in medical tourism in Gujarat

Almost four years after the Gujarat government celebrated 2006 as the year of tourism, there is now a serious focus on developing tourism in the state. The first off the block is medical tourism where the idea is to open the sector for investment from corporate houses to develop holistic infrastructure to facilitate medical tourism.

A first of its kind conclave 'Gujarat Tourism Conclave', with special emphasis on health and wellness tourism, has been organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) and FICCI on June 24 in Ahmedabad. The focus of the conclave is exclusively on capitalising on tourism opportunity, air connectivity and health and wellness tourism in Gujarat through interaction with the fraternity and leaders of the sector from all over the country. Feedback will be sought from the participants - industry leaders - on how to market the state competitively.

A study conducted by Yes Bank - Furthering the Growth of Gujarat Tourism - with special emphasis on health and wellness tourism has highlighted a road map for Gujarat to take tourism to the next level. "Gujarat government will work as a facilitator," said health and tourism minister Jaynarayan Vyas.

TCGL secretary, Vipul Mittra said, "Tourism in Gujarat is a sleeping giant. We want to invite the private sector to develop
infrastructure at tourism spots where the potential already exists. A strategy is being devised on how to invite these investments. We will disperse tourism to those who can develop tourism."