Gujarat Tourism Minister chairs tour operators road show summit

Gujarat Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera on Friday (August 22, 2025) chaired a Tour Operators Road Show Summit in Veraval to discuss initiatives aimed at boosting facilities and enhancing the tourist experience in Somnath and surrounding areas.

Speaking at the summit, Mr. Bera said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the tourism sector in Gujarat has witnessed rapid growth. He noted that the government has been working consistently since 2006, when Gujarat celebrated the ‘Tourism Year’, to promote the State’s diverse offerings of forests, seas, deserts, and mountains.

Highlighting Somnath’s potential as a global tourist destination, the Minister said the focus is on developing world-class facilities that encourage visitors to explore nearby districts such as Junagadh, Amreli, Porbandar, and Dwarka, thereby extending their stay in the region.

Tourism Commissioner and Managing Director Prabhav Joshi gave a presentation on opportunities in eco-tourism, farm stays, and cultural tourism. Chief Minister’s Secretary Vikrant Pande urged tour operators to collaborate with the government in its efforts to position Somnath on the global tourism map.

Somnath Temple General Manager Vijay Singh Chavda outlined facilities provided by the Somnath Trust, including free bus services, light-and-sound shows, and modern parking facilities. District Collector N.V. Upadhyay detailed projects under the Iconic Development of Greater Gir, covering sites such as Tulsi Shyam, Droneshwar, Jamjir, and Shri Bai Ashram.