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Rajasthan government and UNESCO together inked MoU to promote Rajasthan tourism

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The tourism department of Rajasthan government and UNESCO have joined hands and signed an MoU to promote the heritage and culture of Western Rajasthan. The MoU was signed in the presence of senior UNESCO officials and tourism minister Vishvendra Singh.

As per the MoU, 10 new tourism destinations that are rich with culture and heritage will be promoted. A new tourism circuit for Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner will also be developed. A three and a half month target to complete the project has been set.

UNESCO officials stated that the cultural heritage and traditions, such as pottery, weaving and other crafts, as well as music traditions will be focused on this project. This will promote community-benefiting tourism opportunities.

“UNESCO India and the Rajasthan government tourism department signed a partnership agreement to promote community-based responsible tourism based on the rich intangible cultural heritage of the state,” the official said.

According to the Rajasthan tourism minister, Vishvendra Singh, “We will promote local festivals, celebrations, and fairs under this project. The tourists will be provided the facility of a Homestay. The project will help promote the local arts and culture. Over 2000 local artists will benefit from the project and their art will get global recognition.”

He added “Many rural areas in Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer incorporates different kinds of local art, music, and handicraft. The MoU will spur growth and create jobs for several artist communities. Training and promoting the skills of local artists will be done on a global scale. The work on the project will begin immediately and will be completed in 3-4 years.”

The Rajasthan project is based on a previous model of West Bengal which was successfully developed by UNESCO and Contact Base.