Punjab to be promoted as integrated cinematic tourism hub

Mohali, Sep 27 (UNI) The punjab government plans to promote the state as an integrated cinematic tourism hub for shooting of films and television serials in the northern region, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said here today.

The government planned to explore new avenues to turn Punjab into an entertainment-cum-tourism destination and would chalk out a comprehensive plan for setting up class infrastructure facilities for the entertainment industry, Mr Badal said after inaugurating a 'Cinematic Tourism Conference', organised by Institute of Technology and Future Management Trends (ITFT).

Stressing that the state was blessed with scenic landscape as well as monuments that illustrated the rich and valiant Punjabi culture, Mr Badal called upon the film and TV serial makers to explore the vibrant Punjabi culture and locales for shooting.

The Punjabi youth, which have tremendous potential in performing art and cultural activities, could also be utilised by the entertainment industry, he added.

Mr Badal appreciated the efforts of ITFT in organising the conference with an innovative approach to bring northern states and eminent producers and directors on a common platform to work out some common strategy for promoting the region as an integrated cinematic tourism hub in the country.

Noted film director Harry Baweja, while addressing the gathering, said that to fully explore the tourism potential, the Punjab government should encourage TV serial and film making in the state that could also be a rich source of revenue generation for it. Punjabi filmsmaker Manmohan Singh also spoke on the new trends emerging in the Indian film industry.

Earlier, Mr Badal launched a Web Portal of Media and Entertainment Studies and also released a book on Cinematic Tourism.

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