Rajasthan Tourism Shifts Focus to Experience-Based Travel, Says Deputy CM Diya Kumari

Jaipur, September 28: On World Tourism Day, the Rajasthan International Centre hosted the ‘Rajasthan Creators Conclave 2026’. Over 100 travel bloggers, content creators, youth from schools and colleges, and representatives from the hotel industry participated in this event. Discussions centered around Rajasthan’s unexplored tourist destinations, social media trends, rural tourism, and evolving travel preferences.

Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari emphasized that the definition of tourism has evolved. Tourists no longer wish to merely take pictures at monuments; they want to immerse themselves in local culture, cuisine, lifestyle, festivals, and the daily lives of the people. She stated that the Rajasthan government will collaborate with youth and travel creators to develop new tourism models in the future.

Tourism is More Than Just Monument Photos

Diya Kumari pointed out that while monuments and museums are significant, travelers’ expectations have transcended these traditional attractions. People are now interested in staying in homestays in rural areas, understanding local cuisine, learning about the language and culture, and participating in festivals.

She noted that modern tourism is increasingly experience-based, and Rajasthan has vast potential in this area.

Creators Will Guide Tourist Preferences

The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that travel bloggers and social media creators are closely connected to travelers’ preferences. They understand which reels or types of travel content attract audiences.

She stressed the importance of learning from the experiences of youth and creators instead of relying solely on traditional methods for events. This approach led to the inclusion of school and college students in the conclave.

Focus on Hidden Destinations Beyond Jaipur and Jaisalmer

Diya Kumari highlighted that each district in Rajasthan has its unique identity and experiences. From the forts and markets of Jaipur to the flavors of Barmer, Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur, every region offers something distinct.

She emphasized the need to promote lesser-known tourist spots that, despite their beauty and cultural heritage, remain under-visited. Tourists coming to Udaipur should also be encouraged to explore areas like Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and Banswara, which can boost local employment and the economy.

Devmali: A Model for Rural Tourism

The Deputy Chief Minister cited the village of Devmali as an example where people still live with their traditions, and the mud houses give it a unique identity. She described it as a true embodiment of rural tourism.

The government aims to promote experiences like rural tourism and homestays, allowing tourists to connect directly with Rajasthan’s local lifestyle.

Government as a Facilitator for Private Sector Collaboration

Diya Kumari stated that the government’s role in tourism development is that of a facilitator. Collaborating with the private sector, local communities, the hotel industry, and content creators can yield better results.

She emphasized the importance of local participation in developing heritage sites, including the havelis of Shekhawati, while also prioritizing the preservation of Rajasthan’s art, culture, languages, customs, and heritage.

Focus on Connectivity and Basic Amenities

The Tourism Minister noted that improving road, rail, and air connectivity, along with basic amenities, is essential for enhancing the tourism experience. Efforts are underway to develop airports and increase air connectivity in the state.

She acknowledged that no matter how advanced technology becomes, human connection and interaction with locals will always be vital in tourism.

Diya Kumari’s Personal Aspirations

During the conclave, Diya Kumari shared her personal experiences. She mentioned that as a child, she aspired to be an astronaut and later considered becoming a lawyer. If she were to choose a new profession today, she would prefer to be a travel blogger.

She expressed her interest in tourism and travel, but emphasized that serving the public through politics remains her top priority.

Honoring Contributors to Tourism and Culture

The event recognized individuals for their contributions to art and culture, including Ramu Ramdev for cultural initiatives, Devang Agarwal for developing new tourist sites, Kuldeep Chandela for promoting Rajasthan tourism globally, Abhimanyu Singh for unconventional tourism experiences, and Shyam Sundar Paliwal for social and rural tourism.

The conclave also featured several travel creators, including Shashank Sanghvi, Prakriti Arora, Ashish Sharma, Ankush Sharma, Shrestha Sharma, Kritika Goyal, and Lakshmi Sharath.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.