Mumbai : The Hotel And Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI in collaboration with the Southern Gujarat Hotel & Restaurant Association (SHARA), hosted a Membership Ride Meeting in Saputara on 1st March 2025. The meeting convened prominent industry stakeholders to discuss key challenges and propose solutions aimed at enhancing Saputara’s tourism, hospitality infrastructure and economic growth. The event saw participation from key members of the Saputara Hotel Owners’ Association and SHARA, including Mr Upendrabhai Patel, President, Saputara Hotel Owners’ Association; Mr Arun Shetty, President, SHARA; Mr Sanat Relia, Vice President, SHARA; Mr Manish Katargamwala, Owner, Shilpi Hill Resort; Mr Pushpendra Bansal, Lords Plaza Group; Ms Trupti Pawar, Secretary General, HRAWI and Mr Hemanshu Chavan, Assistant Secretary General, HRAWI.
Among the key issues discussed included, infrastructure and accessibility to improve connectivity to Sunrise Point to Second Hill and enhancements in Governor Hill Mini Bus Service. Safety and public amenities to address safety concerns at Ram Zula and Laxman Zula, enhancing drainage systems and resolving water supply issues in the region and economic development and banking access via Government bank branches to facilitate easier financial transactions for businesses and tourists.
“Saputara has immense potential to be a premier hill destination in Gujarat. However, infrastructure bottlenecks and accessibility issues hinder its growth. HRAWI, along with SHARA, is committed to working with the Government and industry stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that will drive economic and tourism development. Events like the Kite Festival, improved transport connectivity and organized cultural celebrations will position Saputara as a must-visit destination in the State,” says Mr Upendrabhai Patel, President, Saputara Hotel Owners’ Association.
The Membership Ride meeting served as an essential platform for open dialogue, allowing industry leaders to voice their concerns while presenting innovative ideas to enhance Saputara’s hospitality landscape. Among the proposed solutions and initiatives include: –
• Tourism Promotion: Launch of the ‘Khusbu Gujarat Ki’ advertisement campaign to increase Saputara’s visibility.
• Leisure & Attractions: Enhancements to the Surround Lake Toy Train and Walkway, and the creation of a Liquor Zone to cater to tourism demand.
• Connectivity: Proposal for meter-gauge train connectivity between Waghai, Saputara and Nashik to improve accessibility.
• Cultural & Recreational Activities: Hosting large-scale events such as the Maha Saputara Surat Mela and a Kite Festival to attract tourists.
• Green Initiatives & Sports Infrastructure: Tree plantation drives in the hill areas and the development of a Sports Complex for adventure and outdoor activities.
“Our goal is to transform Saputara into a hub for experiential tourism, leveraging its natural beauty and strategic location. Currently, activities are limited to boating and the ropeway, which have remained non-operational for some time. We intend to formally raise this concern and advocate for new attractions such as a toy train, meter-gauge train connectivity between Waghai, Saputara and Nashik; and the development of a well-structured tourism circuit linking Surat, Saputara, Kevadia and Dandi. Additionally, we propose introducing a leopard safari in Vansda, similar to those in Kanha for tigers and Gir for lions, and enhancing monsoon tourism with adventure activities like trekking and river rafting. Expanding ropeway infrastructure to better connect pilgrimage sites is also a key focus. We will be submitting these proposals to the State Government and NITI Aayog to ensure Saputara emerges as a leading, year-round experiential tourism destination,” adds Mr Sanat Relia, Vice President, SHARA.
“Tourism growth requires a collective effort from private players, policymakers and local businesses. This meeting has paved the way for practical solutions to improve hospitality services, infrastructure and guest experiences in Saputara. Association will continue advocating for policy enhancements that promote regional tourism while ensuring the sustainability of hospitality enterprises in the region,” concludes Ms Trupti Pawar, Secretary General, HRAWI.
