As destinations like Dholavira and the Statue of Unity move beyond one-day visits, Krinal Thaker, AGM, Marketing and Experiences, Evoke Experiences, shares how structured hospitality is quietly reshaping travel behaviour.
Traditionally, how has tourism in Gujarat evolved over the years?
Tourism in Gujarat has historically been anchored in religious travel, with circuits such as Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, and Ambaji Temple drawing steady domestic footfall. Heritage has also played a consistent role in shaping visitation. Over time, particularly after campaigns like Khushboo Gujarat Ki, the state expanded its tourism canvas. Wildlife experiences at Gir National Park and the Little Rann of Kutch, cultural showcases such as the Rann Utsav, and coastal destinations like Dwarka and Porbandar have all contributed to a more diversified tourism profile.
You have properties in destinations like Dholavira and the Statue of Unity. How do you see the role of hospitality in such emerging locations?
Both Dholavira and the Statue of Unity are among Gujarat’s most prominent attractions. Yet, for a long time, they remained short-visit destinations, with travellers typically spending only a few hours on-site.
That is now changing. Hospitality is beginning to play a more defining role, not just supporting the destination, but shaping how it is experienced. It adds structure, context, and depth, encouraging visitors to stay longer rather than simply move on.
Properties such as Evoke Dholavira and Statue of Unity Tent City-1, developed by Evoke Experiences in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism, are helping drive this shift by creating immersive, experiential stays.
Despite Dholavira’s enduring historical significance, how has the traveller’s experience evolved today?
Dholavira, located on Khadir Bet Island in Kutch, has long held global importance as part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It has traditionally attracted historians, researchers, and a niche group of travellers, but visits were often brief.
The shift has come with the introduction of structured hospitality. With the development of 44 cottages at Evoke Dholavira, the focus has moved beyond access to engagement. Visitors now have the opportunity to experience the site more meaningfully, which naturally extends their stay.
What is evident is that while Dholavira always had depth, it awaited interpretation. Once that layer is introduced through curated experiences, the destination begins to unfold more fully.
Has this shift also influenced the type of travellers visiting Dholavira?
Yes, quite significantly. While leisure travellers remain an important segment, there has been a noticeable rise in MICE and corporate groups, something that would have seemed unlikely for a remote destination earlier.
Interestingly, the remoteness now works as an advantage. For corporate travellers, it offers a sense of detachment from routine environments, making the destination itself a part of the overall engagement.
How does the approach differ in a high-footfall destination like the Statue of Unity in Kevadia?
The challenge in Kevadia is quite different. Anchored by the Statue of Unity, the destination already attracts substantial footfall. The focus here is not on generating demand, but on extending the duration of stay. Statue of Unity Tent City-1 addresses this by integrating accommodation into the overall experience. As a permanent glamping resort, it offers a structured, package-driven approach where the stay is seamlessly woven into the visit. This ensures that travellers are not navigating the destination independently, but are part of a curated journey, which naturally encourages longer stays.
What does this shift mean for destinations like Dholavira and Kevadia going forward?
For both destinations, this shift is significant. Experiential stays are gradually transforming them from short-stop attractions into more complete destinations. While the change may appear subtle, its impact is far-reaching. Hospitality is no longer just a supporting element; it is becoming central to how destinations are positioned and experienced. Increasingly, where one stays is influencing how and whether a destination is fully experienced.
