Tourism Conclave 2025 Showcases South Gujarat’s Potential as a Premier Travel Destination

The Tourism Conclave 2025, jointly organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Gujarat Tourism Department, was held on May 16 at Platinum Hall, Sarsana, Surat. The event served as a significant platform to spotlight South Gujarat’s rich tourism potential and foster dialogue among key industry stakeholders.

The conclave brought together tourism experts, industry leaders, and government representatives to share insights and strategies for sustainable tourism development. SGCCI President Mr. Vijay Mevawala, in his welcome address, shared that India received over 9.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, generating more than ₹2.3 lakh crore in revenue. He emphasized that nearly 40% of tourists to Gujarat visit destinations in South Gujarat, reinforcing the region’s importance in the state’s tourism growth.

Among the key speakers was Mr. R. Sunil Kumar, National President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), who highlighted India’s rise in the Global Tourism Index from 54th in 2021 to 39th in 2024. He called for continued focus on developing emerging tourism regions like Jammu & Kashmir and stressed the importance of strategic collaboration to tap into India’s tourism potential.

Mr. Dheeraj Soundh, CMD of Chutney Hotels (Uttarakhand DMC), spoke about Uttarakhand’s appeal as a spiritual and wedding destination, sharing insights into evolving travel trends. Mr. Vishal Somaiya, Managing Director of OneAbove, introduced Georgia as a unique tourist destination for Indian travelers, particularly highlighting its vegetarian culinary experiences and cultural charm.

Mr. Vinesh Shah, President of the Travel Agents Association of Pan India (TAAPI), discussed the concept of developing Surat and the broader South Gujarat region as the Surat Economic Region (SER), with a focus on eco-tourism and integrated travel experiences.

Mr. Sanat Reliya, Vice President, Southern Gujarat Hotel and Restaurant Association, shared perspectives on how the hospitality sector can play a key role in building a robust tourism infrastructure.

SGCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Nirav Mandlewala underscored the potential to expand Surat’s tourism profile across business, eco, experiential, and culinary sectors. Student presentations and interactive discussions added further depth to the conclave’s agenda.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session and a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Ashok Jirawala, SGCCI Vice President Elect, marking the end of a fruitful and forward-looking conclave.