To achieve a 10 per cent growth against the present 7 per cent in the tourism sector, the Rajasthan government has decided to take infotech route.

The state government has finalised several tourism promotion sch-emes, including a "cyber highway" plan.

Under the plan, the state government plans to inter-link all tourism offices within and without the state, develop a tourism website and use e-business solutions.

The tourism department is also planning to connect all tourist information bureaux, reception centres through the infotech network.

On-line information and bookings for the tourism department and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) services are also being planned.

Interactive compact discs and several other cyber tools for improving facilities are on the cards, according to tourism department sources.

Rajasthan has been one of the favourite tourist destinations for domestic and foreign tourists. Tourist arrivals has increased from 2 million in 1973 to 7.99 million in 2000. Of this, 623,000 were foreign tourists.

According to the tourism industry sources, foreign tourist arrivals have been hit in recent years because of the Indo-Pak stand-off and the Gujarat incidents. 

To disseminate information and attract tourists, the government plans to organise shows in different countries. The show will include Rajasthani art, culture, dance and folk songs.

The state government has also decided to focus on domestic tourists. It will launch the "Rajasthan Calling" programme in different states, which will showcase Rajasthani art, culture, dance and folk songs will be exhibited in other states.