RAJASTHAN is inviting the private sector to take its pick from some 35 forts for conversion to hotels or other tourism-related products on 30-year leases.
Six forts have been identified for leasing in the first phase of the project, namely Jalore Fort, Sojat Fort, Shahabad Fort, Malkot Fort, Ramgarh Fort, and Shergarh Fort.
“We are looking to bring investment to our state. The leasing out process will help us to garner financial resources required for restoration and protection of these forts,” said SK Agarwal, principal secretary tourism, Rajasthan.
Tenders will be opened next month inviting expressions of interest under public-private partnerships.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan is also searching for private players to take over operations of properties currently run by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation either through joint ventures, leasing out or sale.
However, a hotelier who wish not to be named said: “The state government needs a proactive approach if it is looking for private partners. The state’s maiden public-private partnership project, Tijara Fort, took more than 10 years to get operational. The private partner faced a tough time getting clearances and approvals.”
Rajasthan recorded 4.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2013 with arrivals growing at eight per cent this year.
