Gujarat tourism gets tech-savvy
May 21, 2012
GANDHINAGAR: The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) is all set to provide not just better infrastructure facilities to those coming to the state, but has also decided to woo the tourists through internet and mobile services.
The tourism department has decided to have a 24x7 call centre, a mobile application and GIS mapping of the tourist destinations of the state to help the tourists get information about the destinations, facilities and hotels. It will also help them in arranging taxi services and online bookings. The TCGL will provide the services through the Gujarat Info Petro Limited (GIPL). V K Sharma, the chief executive officer of GIPL said, "We are in the midst of developing the facilities for the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and the facilities, if everything goes as per plan, will be launched next week." Navjeet Khokhar, business development officer at GIPL, said that they have been given three projects by TCGL and all of them are in the last stages. These include a 24-hour helpline where the operator would give information based on the queries, while the second would be a website for online booking and the third a mobile application.
GIS and mobile applications: As soon as one enters Gujarat with a mobile number which is outside the Gujarat circle, he would be greeted by the Gujarat tourism department and will be prompted to download an application which would not only give directions within the state but would also facilitate him to book hotels and taxi from his mobile (using mobile internet) and even book hotels. The software will be different for iPhone, Android and Blackberry mobiles. The download would be free. Also there would be a link to download it directly from the TCGL website.
Call centre: GIPL will facilitate a five seated call centre exclusively for the TCGL. It will not only give information about the places to visit in the nearby areas, but will also suggest where to stay and will also help the person choose the hotel as per his choice. The call centre will help the person by giving him the taxi operator's number and the prevalent rate in the region. The operators at the centre will also design the package if the person was willing to give out his package. Information about the various modes of travel to the tourist destinations will also be given.
Website: The TCGL official website will not only provide pictures of the facilities at the tourist destination but will also facilitate online booking. This facility will be for the properties owned by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and for the other hoteliers at the tourist destination.
Khushboo Gujarat ki campaign rides on Delhi Metro - New Delhi
The Gujarat Tourism is branding one entire Delhi Metro Train on outer bodies & insides for a period of three months to promote its ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki' campaign.
The State of Gujarat today took another lead in being the first in the country to launch its star tourism campaign, ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki' featuring megastar Amitabh Bachchan, on a Delhi Metro Train in the national capital in an attempt to showcase diversity of Gujarat tourism in its entirety.
Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Gujarat and Shri Sanjay Kaul, Commissioner of Tourism & Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TGCL) jointly flagged off the branded train at the Reliance New Delhi Metro Station today.
The Gujarat Tourism is branding one entire Delhi Metro Train for a period of three months to promote its ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki' campaign. The highlights of the campaign are branded in both the outer body and insides of the metro train.
Speaking on the occasion, Vipul Mitra said that no other state tourism board has roped in the services of the Delhi Metro so far as what Gujarat Tourism has done. By dedicating an entire Metro Train to its tourism campaign, the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd aims to seek better mileage in the national capital and tourist influx to Gujarat.
“Khushboo Gujarat Ki campaign is two and a half years old and since its launch with Shri Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador, the rate of growth of tourism in Gujarat has doubled as compared to the national growth rate. There has been a 400 percent rise in tourists to Kachchh and this year more than 2 crore travellers are expected to visit the State,” Mittra told media persons.
He pointed out that Gujarat Tourism works on a 3-pronged strategy with the first being promoting Gujarat as a fast emerging most exciting tourism destination. Secondly, by creating common infrastructure like excellent connectivity by roads and trains, security apparatus in place, information centres, sanitation and other facilities to ensure adequate safety and comfort of the tourists. Third and most importantly, to focus on the PPP mode to rope in the private sector to come and invest in Gujarat by setting up commercial ventures like hotels and resorts.
Talking about the USP of Gujarat Tourism, Mitra said, “The USP of Gujarat Tourism is its diversity of tourism products. It is being promoted as a complete family destination, since in Gujarat there is practically everything to cater to the tastes of the tourists, whether it is mega events like Navratri or Rann Utsav, Asiatic Lions at Gir Sanctuary or the pristine beaches, remnants of Indus Valley civilization at Dholavira and the magnificent temples of Somanth and Dwarka. Be it monuments, temples or desert, Gujarat has it all.”
Sanjay Kaul, in his welcome address, said that it is essentially trade which is pushing Gujarat tourism the way it should be with trade associations and media continue to promote Gujarat as a preferred tourist destination.
After excelling to new heights in infrastructure, agriculture and other development rated projects, the State Government brought in tourism as an icing on the cake, the senior official said adding Gujarat Tourism is a mode for development and means for diversity and prosperity.
The year 2012 has ushered in with international accolades coming for the State of Gujarat which has been ranked as the third best unsung tourist destination of the world by Lonely Planet.
Gujarat Tourism launches 'Dekho Amdavad' AC buses.
Gujarat Tourism in association with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation launched first-of-its-kind ‘Dekho Amdavad’ air-conditioned buses for sightseeing for tourists.
The day tours which will operate twice a day(except Mondays) will start from Law Garden Civic Centre, complete a loop of Ahmedabad’s heritage route and will culminate at the starting point at a cost of Rs 200 for a day tour per person.
A special tour of the city's old temples will be organised every Sunday by the tour guide. Swaminarayan Temple of Maninagar, Hutheesing Haveli, Jagannath Temple, Jalaram Temple at Paldi, Vastrapur Haveli, ISKCON temple, Balaji Temple, Vaishnodevi and Akshardham are part of this tour.
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