The State tourism minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jaikumar Rawal wants the Saudi Arabia government to increase the quota set for Indian Haj pilgrims.
“India has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world yet the quota set for us is merely 1.70 lakh. It should be increased to ensure more Indian Muslims are able to complete the Haj pilgrimage,” he said after the Haj Umrah International Tourism Fair on Friday.
Over 40 leading tourism companies from Saudi Arabia met with the minister to discuss possibilities to increase tourism between both countries, and Saudi Arabia and Maharashtra.
Possible collaboration
They also talked about increasing collaboration to boost cruise, medical and religious tourism, Mr. Rawal said.
“Muslims worldwide are interested in Ajmer’s Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah, Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah, Delhi’s Jama Masjid and the Taj Mahal. They can be brought to India in bigger numbers. Saudi citizens love Bollywood, which can be used to boost the relationship between the countries,” said Mr. Rawal.
Homestay tourism
Mr. Rawal has also planned to encourage homestay tourism, the first phase of which is being implemented in Elephanta Caves premises after an agreement with Airbnb. “It will be implemented elsewhere too, on the lines of The Bohri Kitchen,” he said.
Chief Eating Officer of The Bohri Kitchen, Munaf Kapadiya on Tuesday had made a presentation before the minister about home-dining, at his residence.
More jobs
Through the presentation he said that it can be applied to Varhadi, Saoji, Konkani, Malvani cuisines and also provide employment opportunities to locals while serving tasty delicacies to tourists. “The State will try to encourage varhadi, saoji, konkani, malvani cuisines through home dining tourism concept,” Mr. Rawal said.
