Rajasthan invites corporates to adopt monuments

Rajasthan is inviting corporate entities to adopt its monuments as part of its initiatives to promote tourism in the state. Besides, it is also trying to bring diversity in its image by promoting eco-tourism and health tourism instead of just concentrating on its cultural and architectural splendour.

Addressing mediapersons, Usha Punia, Rajasthan minister of state for tourism, said, "We have started a scheme called 'Adopt a Monument', wherein we are inviting corporate entities to participate. They can adopt an entire monument or a section of it for a specific period."

So far, the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur is said to have come forward in this regard. "They have approached us to adopt Hawa Mahal, and a group of Rajasthan-based hoteliers has evinced interest in adopting Jantar Mantar," she added.

"Around 250 state-protected monuments can be adopted by corporate entities. They can also use the adopted premises for publicity purposes," Punia said.

"We are seeking public-private partnerships for various projects," she added. In the current year, 10 development projects worth Rs 35.25 crore have been sent to the central government for seeking assistance under the centrally-sponsored scheme.

"We are also concentrating on promoting eco-tourism and health tourism in the state so that we can encourage repeat visits by discerning travellers," Punia said. The state is mulling options of promoting adventure sports like rock-climbing as well.

In 2004, 9.72 lakh foreigners and 1.6 crore domestic tourists visited Rajasthan. Among the foreign tourist arrivals, the maximum numbers were from France, followed by UK and Germany.