.png){kind=logo}
Gujarat is set to expand its tourism ecosystem through a wide range of initiatives covering village homestays, sports tourism, cultural festivals, eco-tourism and film tourism as the state observes 2026–27 as the Gujarat Tourism Year.
The plans were highlighted during a World Tourism Day programme at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi launched the official Gujarat Tourism Year logo and a new film shooting permission portal. The developments were reported on September 28, 2026.
Gujarat Expands Sports Tourism
Sports tourism is emerging as an important part of Gujarat's tourism strategy. The state is preparing to host HYROX in Gandhinagar from November 26 to 28, with more than 10,000 visitors expected, including over 1,000 foreign athletes. An Ironman/Half-Ironman event is also planned in Ahmedabad, further supporting Gujarat's efforts to attract visitors through international sporting events.
Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, said - “Gujarat is set to become a new home for HYROX.”
He added that the state is working with Team HYROX India on arrangements for participants and international visitors.
The government expects such events to bring visitors from India and overseas while creating opportunities for hospitality, transport, food services and other tourism-related businesses.
100 Villages to Get Homestays
Rural tourism is another major focus under the new tourism push. Under Gujarat's new Homestay Policy, 100 selected villages will receive modern homestay facilities while retaining their traditional character. The initiative is intended to give travellers opportunities to experience local communities and rural destinations while creating additional employment and income opportunities.
The government is also focusing on improving hygiene facilities and developing tourism skills in rural and tribal areas. More than 1,000 additional tourist guides are expected to be trained, creating employment opportunities while improving services for visitors.
Festivals and Eco-Tourism Get Greater Focus
Gujarat also plans to connect its cultural festivals more closely with tourism. Events such as Navratri, Uttarayan and Kawant Holi are being positioned as opportunities to attract domestic and international travellers.
The state is considering gap funding for tour operators to help create packages that attract international visitors to these festivals and destinations such as Dharoi Water Reservoir and Shivrajpur.
Religious and spiritual destinations including Somnath, Ambaji, Pavagadh and Dwarka are also part of the broader tourism development programme.
Sanghavi urged hotels, restaurants, tour operators and transport providers to focus on cleanliness, health and soft skills to improve the visitor experience.
Film Tourism and Digital Services
Gujarat is also using technology to support film tourism. The government launched the Gujarat Film Shooting Permission Portal, a single-window digital platform designed to make film-shooting permissions and No-Objection Certificates faster and more transparent.
Eight MoUs were also signed during the World Tourism Day programme covering areas including sports tourism, digital ticketing, technology, education and skill development.
Through these initiatives, Gujarat is seeking to broaden its tourism offering beyond conventional sightseeing by combining sports, rural experiences, festivals, spirituality, eco-tourism and cinema. The Gujarat Tourism Year 2026–27 is therefore being used as a platform to attract more visitors, create tourism-linked employment and strengthen the state's wider tourism economy.
