Haryana to open institutions for chefs to encourage tourism indust

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) Haryana would open more culinary schools and institutions for chefs to encourage the tourism industry and the profession of chefs in the State.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said this while speaking at the Chefs Awards-2007 function, organised to mark the International Chefs Day celebrations here last evening.

He said that this would encourage more and more people to take up this profession and generate employment on large scale.

''Since, food is served at every religious, cultural, social and ceremonial event, there is a tremendous scope for encouraging more and more people to take up this as a profession'', he added.

Mr Hooda said through chefs ''we can promote culinary tourism and India has tremendous potential with the diverse range of cuisines which it can offer to the world.'' Promotion of cuisine shall not only act as a vehicle of professional development of Indian chefs, but also as an instrument for strengthening and expanding other economic sectors, such as agricultural manufacturing through increased demand for Indian cuisine worldwide, he said.

He said that chef is the axel which keeps the wheels of hospitality industry moving by constantly striving to improving.

Mr Hooda complimented the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Indian Culinary Forum and the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations for taking the initiative for recognising the contribution made by faceless culinary artisans to the cause of tourism.

The Chief Minister said we are targeting ten million tourists by 2010 during the Commonwealth Games and this anticipated growth shall also contribute to the development of tourism in Haryana.

He said that reckoned as a pioneer in highway tourism in the country, Haryana is now expanding tourism activities in a major way, focussing on farm, adventure and weekend tourism.

''We have actively participated in all important national and international tourism marts to project our state effectively as an attractive tourism destination'', he added.

Mr Hooda presented the Golden Hat Chef Award-2007 to Mr Sushil Chug. 11 other chefs were also honoured for their excellent performance on the occasion.

UNI