Public-pvt ventures vital to promote tourism in north: Guv

Chandigarh, Oct 12 (UNI) Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen (Retd) S F Rodrigues today stressed the need for developing tourism potential in the northern region, through public-private partnerships in a coordinated manner.

Inaugurating the North India Tourism Conclave 'n'TOUR ' organised at CII Headquarters, here, General Rodrigues called for harmonising endeavour to showcase the significant features of our heritage and glimpses of ''Incredible India'' by offering seamless andefficient tourism-related services.

He said that the country, with an over 5000-year-old civilisation rich with diverse cultures, traditions and philosophies, must be promoted as a preferred tourist destination adding that this century belonged to Asia, with the focus on India's growth and development.

The General also erlaborated upon the initiatives for strengthening the network of tourism related services in the region.

Various plans were underway to place Chandigarh and the region on the global tourism map with the focus on extending efficient medical, educational and entertainment oriented facilities.

A mega theme park, the first of its kind in the country, was being developed to highlight Indian culture and mythology, which would attract at least half a million visitors annually.

A major tourist attraction would be Multi-Media-cum-Film city featuring modern animation and showcasing the latest trends in multi-media with digital studios and TV productions.

He said medical tourism was also being promoted, by setting up a medi-city with full-fledged network of research facilities. He said that Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park coming up fast in the City will attract 60,000 professionals with a support infrastructure to house professionals, in Hallo Majra and the Southern Sectors.

Work on over 150 new projects, linked with the development and growth and improvement in the quality of life in Chandigarh have been taken up, besides focusing on attracting tourists through special packages in different fields of interest.

He stated that Kalagram, which is the headquarters of North Zone Cultural Center was being upgraded with complete tourism-related services by introducing latest innovative and advanced on-line technologies.

He also called for introducing the concept of tourism police for helping the tourists in the region.

Mr Hemant Anand, Chairman n'TOUR, in his keynote address emphasized the need of evolving a common taxation policy by the northern states for the tourists traveling in the region and suggested the concept of integrating the tourism-related services with focus on the scope of farm tourism for Punjab and motel tourism in Haryana.

UNI