Published Aug 24, 2023 | 1:19 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 24, 2023 | 1:19 PM
An image from the inauguration of the event. (Supplied)
In a bid to boost tourism in the state, the Punjab government on 23 August announced a host of strategic initiatives to launch the first-ever summit on the subject, as well as a travel mart.
The event, which will be held in Mohali from 11 to 13 September, would position the state as the most preferred destination for tourism encompassing its rich heritage, traditions, art forms, and customs.
The Punjab Travel Mart aims to bring India’s forward-looking tourism professionals to Punjab and catapult the state as a top tourist destination.
The event will also see the participation of foreign and domestic tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs), travel trade media, travel influencers, hotel operators, B&B and farm stays owners, tourism boards, etc.
The initiative’s key focus would be on five cities drawing maximum tourist footfall: Amritsar, Roopnagar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Fatehgarh Sahib.
As part of the initiative, the tourism department inaugurated its first of the four-city roadshow in Chandigarh on 23 August. The next roadshows will be held in Mumbai (24 August), Hyderabad (25 August), and Delhi (26 August).
Punjab Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion Anmol Gagan Mann said: “Tourism will multiply employment opportunities for women and youth. To achieve this, the government has launched a host of initiatives like Invest Punjab, fiscal incentives on tourism in Industrial Policy 2022, the introduction of a Wellness Policy, revision of the Eco-Tourism and Culture Policy, and implementation of Adventure Tourism and water Tourism Policy etc.”
“We strongly believe all the initiatives in cohesion will enhance the image of the state in terms of ease of doing business and bring in more tourists, both national and international,” he added.
It may be noted that new fiscal incentives on tourism in Industrial Policy 2022 were focused on encouraging entities to invest in eco-tourism units/farm stays/homestays and tented accommodation, camping units/caravan tourism, adventure/water tourism projects, heritage hotels, and film production/cinematography.
The Punjab government has also rolled out lucrative fiscal incentives on tourism in the Industrial Policy 2022 that aims to boost the service sector.
Punjab tourism’s focus in the coming years will be on adventure and water tourism, wellness tourism and agri/eco-tourism with heightened emphasis on the development of home and farm stays in rural areas.
The government is also keen to enhance the role of women in tourism as this leads to their empowerment, thereby improving their quality of life and livelihood.
