Caravan tourism gets a boost in Chhattisgarh as the Transport Department starts registration of caravan vehicles

 State government will levy a tax of 10% of vehicle value on caravan vehicle registration to promote tourism in Chhattisgarh

Raipur , 20 July 2023//

To boost Tourism in Chhattisgarh, the state government has decided to levy a tax of 10 percent of vehicle value on the registration of caravan vehicles in the state. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel’s vision for public convenience drives the Transport Department led by Transport Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar to explore new initiatives. The state government plans to promote ‘Caravan Tourism’ in Chhattisgarh, focusing on rivers, mountains, hill stations, forests, and heritage sites to enhance tourism opportunities across the state.

Caravan tourism gains global popularity, and the Chhattisgarh Government embraces the concept of caravans for its tourism. A self-contained camper or recreational vehicle will be allowed in areas with restrictions on permanent construction and limited hotels or resorts available for tourists. The policy aims to promote safe travel and support tour operators, enabling tourists to experience the state’s natural beauty and attractions. Additionally, it is expected to create local employment opportunities in the thriving tourism sector.

Caravan Vehicle:

A caravan is a special-purpose passenger vehicle with seating, sleeping arrangements, a table, a kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom. It serves as a mobile hotel or home, offering flexibility and comfort to travellers on the tour. To create a caravan vehicle, individuals can purchase a new vehicle or just a chassis and have it customised by a registered vehicle body builder. Alternatively, they can modify an old vehicle into a caravan, but it must not be more than 3 years old as per the caravan vehicle criteria.

Chhattisgarh’s tourist circuit encourages family-oriented tourism in areas lacking sufficient hotel accommodation. Motor caravans serve for travel, leisure, and accommodation, proving popular for adventure tourism. The state’s extensive landscape and terrain offer a new dimension to motor caravan tourism, attracting travellers seeking unique and immersive experiences.

The rising demand for eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, and pilgrimage tourism, involving remote and natural areas, has created a need for more accommodations. However, proper accommodation facility is scarce in remote areas, particularly in regions where permanent construction is impractical. Caravan Tourism emerges as a viable solution to cater to this demand while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Anticipated to appeal to diverse market segments, such as youth, families, senior citizens, and international tourists, Caravan Tourism is set to offer unique and immersive travel experiences in Chhattisgarh.