Gujarat plans new tourism policy ahead of 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Gujarat Government is expected to unveil a new tourism and hospitality policy aimed at accelerating investment and expanding the State’s tourism infrastructure ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

According to sources, the proposed policy may offer incentives such as tax concessions, higher Floor Space Index (FSI) and faster regulatory approvals to encourage investment in the hospitality sector. The Government is reportedly working towards adding more than 300 hotels with around 60,000 rooms before the Commonwealth Games.

The proposed framework is expected to cover not only Ahmedabad and other major urban centres but also smaller cities and emerging tourist destinations across Gujarat.

The policy is also likely to promote medical tourism through targeted incentives. Wellness centres could be brought within the scope of the new framework, a relatively emerging concept for Gujarat compared with southern states, where such facilities have gained greater prominence.

A single-window clearance mechanism and time-bound approvals are also being considered to reduce delays in setting up new hospitality projects. Industry stakeholders are seeking an early announcement, pointing out that hotel projects require considerable time for planning, financing and construction.

Another component under consideration is the promotion of large-scale concerts and entertainment events. The Government is examining incentives and facilitation measures to attract major events to Gujarat, with the broader activity being described as part of the “Orange Economy”.

Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat have witnessed several major concerts in recent years. Officials believe that a stronger events ecosystem could generate business across hospitality, transportation, food services and event management.

Sources said the Government is not considering direct financial benefits for ticketed commercial events but may provide administrative and logistical support to facilitate their organisation.

The state is also seeking to position Gujarat as a destination for weddings. As part of this effort, changes in prohibition-related regulations are reportedly being examined, including a proposal for event-specific group permits that could provide limited relaxation for destination weddings at designated venues.

The initiative follows the state Government’s announcement of the “Wed in Gujarat” programme in the 2026-27 Budget. The programme seeks to promote Gujarat as a wedding destination by leveraging its religious heritage, coastline, desert landscapes and historical locations.

Gujarat’s prohibition regime has been cited as one of the factors behind the migration of several high-value weddings to neighbouring Rajasthan. Industry estimates suggest that around 500 such weddings are held in Rajasthan each year, potentially resulting in an annual wedding-business loss of about Rs 1,500 crore for Gujarat.

With hospitality infrastructure, destination weddings, entertainment events and wellness tourism emerging as key areas, the proposed policy is expected to give a broader push to Gujarat’s tourism economy leading up to 2030.