10-07-2005, 06:42 AM
Pioneer
<b>I want to promote medical tourism </b>
<i>Narendra Modi is the Chief Minister of Gujarat</i>
Is 'Vibrant Gujarat' an effort to promote the state as a tourist destination?
<i>* Gujarat was never on the tourism map despite it's scenic destinations and vibrant culture. I wanted to change that and decided to spread awareness at national and international level about what the state has to offer. I also want to promote it as a medical tourist destination.</i>
What does it have to offer for medical tourists?
<i>* A large number of Gujarati NRIs come here every year for treatments that are very expensive abroad and cheaper here. Among the top 10 doctors in the US, most are Gujaratis. So, they are a trusted lot.</i>
Is this an attempt to re-invent the state's image after the 2003 riots?
<i>* Every person is free to have personal opinions. You can either stagnate in the past or look forward positively. The choice is yours.</i>
Will this fuel economic growth in the rural areas?
<i>* As tourism sector is unorganised, artists and craftsmen are exploited by middlemen. Once the government steps in, they would get more exposure and opportunities. This will result in more earnings. </i>
Any other tourism plans?
<i>* 2006 is Gujarat Tourism year and many activities have been planned for it. In January, a Sharad Purnima festival will be organised in the Rann of Kutch. We are also planning to launch a cruise from Mumbai to Kutch. There are plans for tour packages to Lothal (a part of the Indus Valley Civilisation), Udwara and Champaner (a world heritage site).</i>
<b>I want to promote medical tourism </b>
<i>Narendra Modi is the Chief Minister of Gujarat</i>
Is 'Vibrant Gujarat' an effort to promote the state as a tourist destination?
<i>* Gujarat was never on the tourism map despite it's scenic destinations and vibrant culture. I wanted to change that and decided to spread awareness at national and international level about what the state has to offer. I also want to promote it as a medical tourist destination.</i>
What does it have to offer for medical tourists?
<i>* A large number of Gujarati NRIs come here every year for treatments that are very expensive abroad and cheaper here. Among the top 10 doctors in the US, most are Gujaratis. So, they are a trusted lot.</i>
Is this an attempt to re-invent the state's image after the 2003 riots?
<i>* Every person is free to have personal opinions. You can either stagnate in the past or look forward positively. The choice is yours.</i>
Will this fuel economic growth in the rural areas?
<i>* As tourism sector is unorganised, artists and craftsmen are exploited by middlemen. Once the government steps in, they would get more exposure and opportunities. This will result in more earnings. </i>
Any other tourism plans?
<i>* 2006 is Gujarat Tourism year and many activities have been planned for it. In January, a Sharad Purnima festival will be organised in the Rann of Kutch. We are also planning to launch a cruise from Mumbai to Kutch. There are plans for tour packages to Lothal (a part of the Indus Valley Civilisation), Udwara and Champaner (a world heritage site).</i>