Page 45 - The Indian EYE 090426

TRAVEL & TOURISM SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 45

600-passenger cruise Travellers Are

Choosing Smaller,

launched to boost Statue of Local Experiences

Unity tourism ravel is increasingly moving

beyond famous landmarks
Tand packed itineraries, with a
growing number of travellers seeking
AHMEDABAD: smaller, more personal experiences
that allow them to connect with local
ujarat has expanded its riv- communities. This emerging trend,
er tourism infrastructure at often described as “tiny tourism”,
GEkta Nagar with the launch focuses on exploring a destination
of a 600-passenger luxury cruise on through individual neighbourhoods,
the Narmada River, adding a ma- small businesses, local food, crafts and
jor new attraction near the Statue everyday experiences rather than sim-
of Unity. The vessel is expected to ply ticking off major attractions.
strengthen the region’s tourism of- Unlike conventional tourism,
fering and create a new platform for which often centres on popular des-
large-scale cultural, corporate and tinations and well-known sightseeing
social events. spots, tiny tourism encourages travel-
The 30-metre-long and 12-me- lers to slow down and discover what
tre-wide cruise has been designed as makes a place distinctive. A short
a multi-purpose floating venue. It can walk through a local market, a meal
accommodate up to 600 passengers prepared by a neighbourhood cook, a
and features a dining area for 250 visit to an artisan workshop or partici-
people, a 5-metre by 4-metre perfor- pation in a community-led activity can
mance stage and decorative architec- become the highlight of a trip.
tural lighting for evening operations. The trend also reflects chang-
The new vessel will offer sight- ing traveller preferences. Instead of
seeing experiences while also cater- footfall around the Statue of Unity, employment and support economic spending an entire holiday moving
ing to corporate gatherings, product the world’s tallest statue. The desti- activity linked to tourism, hospital- between major attractions, people are
launches, cultural programmes, mu- nation already has a 200-passenger ity and events. With the Narmada increasingly looking for experiences
sical evenings, private celebrations cruise service offering views of the becoming an increasingly import- that feel authentic and less crowded.
and destination weddings. Its larger monument, the Narmada and the ant part of the visitor experience, Smaller activities can offer a closer
capacity is expected to enable Ekta surrounding landscape. The new ves- the cruise adds another dimension understanding of local traditions, food
Nagar to host events on a scale beyond sel substantially increases the capac- to Gujarat’s efforts to position the and culture while allowing visitors to
the existing river-cruise experience. ity available for river-based tourism. Statue of Unity region as a destina- interact directly with residents.
The launch comes as authori- The project is also expected tion for both leisure and business For local communities, the shift
ties seek to respond to rising tourist to generate opportunities for local tourism. could bring economic benefits by di-
recting tourist spending towards small
Monsoon travel gains favour among Indian travellers businesses, independent guides, arti-
sans, family-run establishments and
community initiatives. It can also en-
onsoon travel is emerging travellers to explore lesser-known is particularly attractive towards courage visitors to explore areas that
as a growing preference destinations. Among the destinations the later part of the monsoon, may otherwise remain outside con-
Mamong Indian travellers, highlighted are Jawai and Ranakpur when its rice terraces remain vivid. ventional tourism circuits.
with tourists increasingly choosing in Rajasthan, Bhimtal and Patkote Mawlyngbna, meanwhile, sees wa- The idea does not necessarily
the rainy season to explore greener, in Uttarakhand, Andretta in Him- terfalls and natural pools come alive mean travelling to remote destina-
quieter and less crowded destinations achal Pradesh, Ziro in Arunachal during the season. tions. Tiny tourism can happen almost
across the country. Travel experts say Pradesh and Mawlyngbna in Megha- However, experts caution that anywhere, including within large cities
the shift reflects a growing interest in laya. These locations offer a mix of monsoon travel requires careful and popular holiday destinations. The
slower, experience-led holidays rather wildlife, heritage, lakes, forests, art, planning. Mountain roads can be- emphasis is on the scale and character
than conventional tourist itineraries. mountains and waterfalls, with the come difficult and slippery and out- of the experience rather than the dis-
According to travel industry monsoon adding to their appeal. door activities may not be permit- tance travelled.
voices cited in recent reports, mon- Jawai’s rugged landscape turns ted because of weather conditions. As travellers increasingly seek
soon journeys are increasingly being greener during the rains, while Checking local weather and travel meaningful experiences over conven-
seen as an opportunity to experience Ranakpur’s Aravalli surroundings advisories is therefore essential. tional sightseeing, tiny tourism could
destinations at their most scenic. offer a striking backdrop to its his- The changing preference signals reshape how holidays are planned.
Travellers are looking beyond the toric Jain temples. Bhimtal provides a broader evolution in Indian travel, The next memorable trip may not
traditional rainy-season hotspots and a quieter alternative to crowded with the journey increasingly centred be defined by how many attractions
seeking places where the weather Nainital, while Andretta combines on nature, tranquillity and experienc- were visited, but by one small experi-
transforms the landscape. art and village experiences with the es rather than simply ticking destina- ence that offered a genuine glimpse
The trend is also encouraging lush landscapes of Kangra. Ziro tions off a list. into local life.

www.TheIndianEYE.com