Interview/ Diya Kumari, deputy chief minister and tourism minister, Rajasthan
Q/ What is your long-term vision for transforming tourism in Rajasthan?
A/ While Rajasthan is globally renowned for its magnificent forts, palaces and monuments, we are equally focused on diversifying our tourism offerings. Today, Rajasthan is making significant strides in emerging sectors like eco-tourism, spiritual tourism, medical and wellness tourism, wildlife and adventure tourism, and even night tourism. We recently forayed into concert tourism, and the successful hosting of IIFA in Jaipur was a testament to our evolving tourism landscape.
Q/ How will you balance tourism development with heritage conservation?
A/ Developing tourism infrastructure and new circuits does not mean that heritage conservation is going to be hampered. Rajasthan is known for its rich heritage, and many historical sites are still hidden treasures. Our key focus is on the conservation, restoration, and global promotion of the state’s rich and often hidden heritage. As we develop tourism infrastructure and introduce new initiatives, we remain committed to ensuring that these efforts do not compromise our heritage, which is the strength of Rajasthan.
Q/ How are you planning to promote eco-tourism and rural tourism?
A/ We have seen national and international interest rising in the areas of rural and eco-tourism. Through the Rajasthan Rural Tourism Scheme, we are actively promoting rural experiences such as agricultural tours, camel farms, and traditional handicraft workshops. These not only enhance the tourist experience but also empower local communities which showcase their culture and lifestyle. We are also developing tribal circuits, which is an unexplored area.
On the eco-tourism front, the first green budget, announced recently, places a strong emphasis on biodiversity, ecology, green energy, as well as adapting to climate change.
Q/ How does your royal heritage influence your approach to preserving Rajasthan’s cultural legacy?
A/ My upbringing instilled in me a deep respect and sense of responsibility towards heritage conservation. Whether as MLA from Sawai Madhopur or MP from Rajsamand, I have always prioritised the preservation of Rajasthan’s invaluable heritage. Besides restoring old forts and palaces, we are taking up projects like restoration of bawaris [stepwells] and Shekhawati havelis [mansion].
Q/ How will you ensure infrastructure development in remote tourist areas without harming local communities or ecosystems?
A/ It is the vision and strategy of my government to bring about development in remote tourist destinations. The development should reach the last mile. It goes without saying that this development will not interfere with the rural heritage or ecosystems in any manner.
Q/ How will events like the Jaipur Literature Festival and the Desert Festival contribute to Rajasthan’s tourism economy?
A/ The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer has been there for so many decades. It is one of the major attractions for the state and has brought the desert region, especially Jaisalmer, to tourists from all over the world. Jaipur Literature Festival, as we all know, is the greatest literary festival in the world. Writers, authors and literature lovers come not only from all over India but also from different parts of the world. Such festivals give a big boost to the tourism economy. Apart from these festivals, Rajasthan will also proactively promote concert tourism.
Q/ How do you respond to people who say tourism in Rajasthan is too Jaipur- and palace-centric?
A/ Certainly it is true that Jaipur has always been a part of the 'golden triangle' with Agra and Delhi. It is also a fact that palaces, forts and monuments are a strong tourism factor in my state. However, Rajasthan is not only about Jaipur and palaces. We are actively promoting multiple tourism segments.