While Jaisalmer offers abundant tourist attractions, there is a need to improve air connectivity and create more locations across the border areas with the help of Border Security Force (BSF) to entice domestic as well as international travellers.
Film shootings and adventure activities are other important aspects for promoting border districts of Rajasthan, deliberated PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PHDCCI) ‘Border Tourism’ Webinar Series.
The second webinar in the series held on 29 June 2021 focused on Jaisalmer district for the promotion of Border Tourism in Rajasthan.
In order to increase employment and job creation activities in the district, Mr. Rakesh Ranjan, Mission Director – Aspirational Districts Programme, NITI Aayog, mentioned that we need to work collectively with the central government, state government and private sector. He said that Jaisalmer has great potential in every aspect especially in terms of attracting tourism, but there is a need to change the mindset of people and make them comfortable to visit the districts which lie in the border areas of the country.
Mr. Nishant Jain (IAS), Director – Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, informed that the state government along with BSF has developed Sanchu Post at Bikaner which will allow tourists to visit the Indo-Pak border. He also informed that the state government is coming up with a policy from 1st January 2022 that will facilitate the filmmakers to get the necessary permissions online for film shootings in Rajasthan.
While giving an overview on the Jaisalmer district, Mr. Ashish Modi (IAS), District Collector – Jaisalmer, Government of Rajasthan, said that Jaisalmer is not only about desert, it has other attractions like boating, adventure sports and grasslands. Talking about the challenges, he mentioned that connectivity is a major issue and needs to be addressed immediately. UDAN Scheme did give an opportunity to improve the connectivity to the district but was withdrawn later. He emphasized that music and art have been the core activity among the locals and introducing initiatives like Centre of Excellence for Local Art will help them to hone their talent.
Mr. Manoj Sogani, Chairman – Rajasthan Chapter, Travel Agents Association of India, said that there should be an increase in frequency of flights and other modes of transportation, especially from the metropolitan cities. He suggested that adventure activities like hot air ballooning, dune bashing should also be promoted to attract domestic tourists.
Mr. Shivendra Singh, CEO, WelcomHeritage, Mandir Palace – Jaisalmer, highlighted that the border areas of Jaisalmer are not accessible and at present there is only one point open for tourists – Tanot Mata Temple which is managed by BSF. He suggested that the state government along with BSF must develop minimum four more points for the tourists to see and experience the real Jaisalmer.
Corroborating with Singh, Mr. Jitendra S. Rathore, Founder Chairman, Royal Desert Safaries, said that the need of the hour is to unlock more border locations across the district. and the promotion of canals and artists need immediate attention.
Mr. Anil Parashar, Chairman – Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, mentioned that improving socio-economic status of border districts, especially aspirational districts, are one of the priorities of the Government of India. These districts, often rich in recreational, cultural and natural resources provide great potential for the development of Border Tourism. Direct interventions from NITI Aayog and Ministry of Tourism can influence the perception of tourists and contribute to the realization of the full potential of that area.
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chairman – Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, delivered the formal vote of thanks and mentioned that the Border Tourism webinar series will continue and PHDCCI would work towards showcasing the tourism potential of the diverse and untouched border districts of India.
The webinar was moderated by Dr. Jatinder Singh, Director, PHDCCI, and received participation from senior government officials, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, airline professionals, travel associations, students from the travel and hospitality institutes.
The webinar was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Rajasthan Tourism.