Jaipur has every reason to cheer as the Rajasthan government is making efforts to get the city declared as a heritage city. The pink city offers tremendous tourist attractions and is part of India’s famous golden triangle, having the maximum number of heritage hotels collectively offering over 1095 rooms. With the city, about to get its first international airport by 2003, it will bring with it direct flights, charters and inbound tourists. Says an upbeat Arvind Mayaram, secretary tourism, government of Rajasthan, “The state has already approached the UNESCO with the required qualifications and the response has been very positive. And Jaipur meets the qualifying criteria's, the UNESCO officials have already agreed in principle, however it will take a little time for the proposal to come through. This will by far be our greatest achievement. Viewing the latest developments, work is on, to scientifically enhance the heritage preservation work in Jaipur.”

The city capitalises on its unique selling point, of merchandising Jaipur as a ‘living tradition’, a strategy that attracts tourists from all over the world. Out of every four foreign tourists visiting India, one visits Rajasthan. The well-developed Jaipur-Delhi six-lane driveway, which is operational now, has augmented the tourist inflow into the state.

Highlighting the need to conserve and revive heritage properties, Mayaram reveals, “Tourism has tremendous multiplier effect, generating both direct and indirect income for the travel and hospitality industry. Realising this potential, we are looking at aggressively promoting the core competencies of this tourism product, which are its culture and heritage, a subject of fascination to both the domestic and inbound tourist. In this endeavour we are making efforts to revive the heritage properties, havelis and crafts of Rajasthan. With the commissioning of new international airport in Jaipur in 2003, it will be a shot in the arm and we are anticipating a boost in the tourist arrivals.”

The state has also reportedly, initiated urban infrastructure development project undertaken through Asian Development Bank (ADB) costing Rs 15,300 crore. It has also earmarked Rs 12 crore for heritage restoration in Jaiselmer. Besides this, it is also putting a Tourist Assistance Force in place to facilitate tourists.