Udaipur: The Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) has submitted a set of important recommendations aimed at the comprehensive development of tourism in South Rajasthan and the Udaipur division. UCCI President Mr. Manish Galundia and Honorary General Secretary Mr. Ashish Chhabda met with Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to present proposals focused on coordinated efforts between local administration, the tourism department, and the private sector to ensure sustainable tourism growth, employment generation, and regional economic strengthening.
The report highlighted that in 2024, Udaipur welcomed over 2 million tourists, underscoring the city’s high potential for organized tourism expansion. UCCI emphasized that leveraging this opportunity could transform South Rajasthan into a broader, high-profile tourism destination.
At a national level, recent tourism conferences and new central government policies have provided states with opportunities to develop world-class tourist destinations. UCCI’s recommendations are designed to align with upcoming state and central government initiatives for rapid implementation.
Key Recommendations by UCCI:
Conservation and Promotion of Wildlife Sanctuaries:
UCCI proposed making Udaipur and surrounding wildlife sanctuaries central pillars of tourism development. Key sanctuaries identified include:
Sajjangarh
Jaisamand
Sitamata
Kumbhalgarh
Raoli-Todgarh
Bassi
Phulwari Ki Nal
Mount Abu
Recommendations include developing eco-friendly routes, training local guides, boating facilities, and waste management systems, alongside community-based guiding and homestay networks to boost local income while ensuring conservation.
Wildlife Tourism Circuit:
Given that Udaipur division has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in the country, UCCI suggested creating a coordinated wildlife tourism circuit connecting these sanctuaries, for example: Sajjangarh → Jaisamand → Sitamata → Kumbhalgarh, with optional extensions to Raoli-Todgarh and Bassi. This would include trail mapping, time-specific visits for fauna observation, safe accommodations, and farm-to-table dining options.
Pilgrimage Circuit:
To enhance cultural and religious tourism, UCCI recommended a structured pilgrimage circuit:
Eklinji → Nathdwara → Ranakpur → Kesriya Ji → Sanwalia Seth Temple
Proposals include improved road signage, dedicated tourism information centers, synchronized visiting hours, and convenient transit packages, ensuring balanced tourist flow and better management of pilgrimage sites.
Theme Parks and Family Attractions:
UCCI suggested establishing a large-scale theme park near the city with family rides, cultural shows, folk art exhibitions, and local food and craft kiosks. This would encourage year-round tourism and provide new markets for local MSMEs and artists.
Water Sports:
Safe, licensed, and eco-friendly water sports facilities on lakes and reservoirs such as Fatehsagar, Pichola, and Jaisamand were recommended, including canoeing, kayaking, paddle boats, entrepreneurial live services, and training programs, with emphasis on lifeguard presence and environmental protection.
Adventure Sports and Trekking Sites:
To expand adventure tourism, UCCI suggested trekking routes, rock climbing, mountain biking paths, and certified adventure centers around Kumbhalgarh and nearby hills, with proper security protocols, trained guides, and emergency services.
Lakefront Development and Heritage Conservation:
Udaipur’s lakes and historical sites, key tourist attractions, should be developed in a pollution-free and organized manner, with time-bound programs and strategic investments.
Eco-Tourism and Rural Homestay Networks:
UCCI advocated promoting eco-tourism in coordination with forest authorities and local communities, supported by structured rural homestay networks to increase rural income.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Enhancement:
Improving road connectivity, passenger amenities, multilingual signage, and affordable public transport options to encourage tourism was recommended.
Skill Development and Hospitality Training:
Directed training programs for local youth to ensure high-quality service standards for tourists.
Events and Off-Season Promotion:
Organizing cultural festivals, conferences, and business events throughout the year to reduce seasonal dependency.
Sustainability and Cleanliness:
Mandatory adoption of waste management, water conservation, and green practices as core standards for all tourism initiatives.
Investment Promotion and Simplified Regulations:
Encouraging investment in the tourism sector through tax incentives, public-private partnerships, and streamlined licensing processes.
Integrated Branding and Digital Marketing:
Coordinated branding and digital campaigns targeting national and international markets to promote tourism in Udaipur division and South Rajasthan.
President Mr. Manish Galundia emphasized, “Udaipur division and South Rajasthan have unparalleled opportunities for tourism development. By combining heritage conservation, infrastructure development, and digital initiatives, this region can emerge not only on the national map but also as a strong international tourism destination.”
Through this report, UCCI requested the Tourism Department, State Government, and Central Tourism Ministry to seriously consider these recommendations and initiate pilot projects under public-private partnership models. UCCI affirmed its readiness to provide technical and systematic support for the implementation of any government-led initiatives in this direction.