Gandhinagar buzzes with excitement as the Gujarat government declares 2026 the ‘Gujarat Tourism Year.’ In a bold move during the 2026-27 budget presentation, Finance Minister Kanu Desai outlined massive investments to transform the state’s heritage, pilgrimage, and coastal tourism sectors.
The budget prioritizes iconic sites with strategic allocations. A whopping Rs 236 crore heads to the Statue of Unity for infrastructure upgrades, aiming to enhance visitor amenities and accessibility at this global landmark. Meanwhile, Rs 95 crore will fund the National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal and train 1,000 tourist guides, promising richer storytelling and immersive experiences at ancient heritage spots.
Pilgrimage circuits get a major boost too. Rs 300 crore is earmarked for the Ambaji Corridor Masterplan at Ambaji Temple, alongside Rs 55 crore for facilities at Bahuchraji Temple, Girnar, and the Narmada Parikrama route. These funds focus on better access, rest areas, and safety for millions of devotees.
Coastal gems shine brighter with Rs 60 crore for Somnath Temple, Shivrajpur Beach developments, and tourism circuits linking Visavada and Porbandar. To handle surging crowds, Rs 447 crore will build advanced bus ports at Somnath and Ambaji, revolutionizing connectivity.
Beyond sites, the ‘Wed in Gujarat’ campaign positions the state as a premier wedding destination. Coupled with road and public transport investments, this blueprint sets Gujarat up for a tourism boom in 2026, blending history, spirituality, and luxury to attract global travelers.