Surat: The ‘Master Plan for developing the Surat Economic Region as a Growth Hub by 2047’ was launched today, suggesting positioning the SER as a destination for business-led leisure tourism. One of the major suggestions in the plan is to set up a Disneyland Theme Park in Surat, which, if established, will be the first Disneyland in South Asia.

The plan proposes that Surat be developed as a business-led tourism hub, offering cruise tourism with 3-4 day cruises and docking points that provide tourist activities within a 2-hour radius.

For this, two circuits have been proposed: Circuit 1 includes Surat, Diu, Somnath, Porbandar, Dwarka, and Mandvi, while Circuit 2 suggests a route from Surat to Daman, Mumbai, and Goa.

The plan also suggests the establishment of two beach hotels for high-spending tourists, as well as 15-20 other resorts and hotels catering to different segments of visitors. Additionally, beachfront development at Suvali, Ubhrat, and Tithal Beach, along with nature-based tourism activities, are suggested in the master plan.

On the other hand, the plan calls for making Dang an eco- and rural-tourism hub with the help of wildlife and forest tourism at Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Dang, and Vansda National Park, Navsari, along with supporting amenities.

Promoting and marketing the existing hiking and trekking trails, as well as eco-campsites, will also boost adventure tourism. Rural tourism can be developed with homestays that offer tribal lifestyle experiences in villages such as Dandi, Don, and Thutti.

The development of Don Hill Station is also proposed, featuring adventure sports, wellness resorts, cultural markets, eco-lodges, and more.

The plan further suggests areas for experiential tourism, such as the Parsi (Zoroastrianism) Circuit, which will include guided heritage walks and tours focusing on Parsi culture, landmarks, food, craft, and philosophy. This will consist of three circuits: one from Surat to Mumbai, a second in Surat, and a third in Navsari.

Promotion of traditional cultural activities, arts, and festivals of the SER (Dang Darbar, Warli art, etc.) is also suggested, along with the promotion of indigenous bamboo from Dang through an annual week-long bamboo festival on National Bamboo Day (September 18).

While elaborating on the master plan, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said, “In this master plan, 54 projects and 4 development zones have been proposed.” A total of 31 projects in multiple sectors have been highlighted in the plan, which will require an investment of $32-35 billion.

The NITI Aayog CEO also mentioned that they have suggested forming a committee under the Chief Minister to oversee these projects, and another official-level committee chaired by the Chief Secretary should be established to steer the projects. Additionally, the Surat Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDC) will be developed for this region encompassing these 6 districts. DeshGujarat