Ahmedabad Cover Story
State to consult wedding planners, hotels; to launch campaign to attract
affluent NRIs, foreigners
Coming soon: Wed in Gujarat (Destination Wedding)
The Gujarat government has launched an ambitious plan to position the state as a major wedding destination, taking on established hotspots like Goa and Rajasthan. The state government, through the Gujarat Tourism Corporation, has invited an expert consultant to prepare infrastructure assessment and a strategic roadmap for developing Gujarat as a preferred marriage destination for couples from India and abroad.
Prohibition policy
A key part of the project is an in-depth study on how Gujarat’s prohibition policy affects destination weddings. The consultant will examine policy-related hurdles and suggest ways to simplify regulations and approvals. The government is also considering a single-window clearance system to make organising weddings easier.
‘Why Not Gujarat?’
To understand why many families and wedding planners prefer states like Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala, a special ‘Why Not Gujarat?’ survey will be conducted to identify gaps in infrastructure, policies and services that discourage people from choosing Gujarat as a wedlock destination.
The project also includes the preparation of a Destination Readiness Index to assess the wedding infrastructure of the state’s top 10 tourist destinations. Factors such as venue capacity, availability of luxury hotels and rooms, air, rail and road connectivity, medical facilities and security will be evaluated.
‘Wed in Gujarat’
To promote wedding tourism globally, the government will launch a new brand identity called ‘Wed in Gujarat’. The campaign will target affluent Indian families, NRIs and international clients through media and social media promotions.
As part of the exercise, more than 500 wedding planners, hoteliers and other stakeholders will be consulted. A Wedding Season Intelligence Calendar will be prepared, while a digital gap audit will assess Gujarat’s presence on platforms such as WedMeGood, WeddingWire and Instagram. Weddings will also be classified into four budget categories, ranging from Rs 1 lakh to above Rs 5 crore.
Focus destinations
The focus destinations include Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Rajkot, the Statue of Unity, the White Rann of Kutch, Sasan Gir, Dwarka, Somnath and Ambaji. According to the tender, the selected consultant will have to submit the complete report within three months of being appointed.
♦ Wedding budget categories
- Rs 1 lakh to Rs 25 lakh
- Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore
- Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore
- Above Rs 5 crore
