Link tourism with medical, religious objectives, says Rodrigues

Chandigarh, Apr 21 (UNI) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Union Territory Administrator S F Rodrigues today emphasised the need for linking tourism with medical and religious objectives, compatible with national policies and guidelines, by signing MoUs of partnership in related areas.

''There is a need for harmonizing efforts to offer tourism related services through package deals under a coordinated plan in order to give a boost to tourism in the country,'' he said while inaugurating an international conference on the theme ''Innovative Tourism'', organized by ICFAI Business School here.

General (retd.) Rodrigues said that India with multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural ethos has a unique place in the history of civilization. ''There is a scope of showcasing our heritage to give a glimpse of incredible India. we have to adopt innovative strategies and advanced technologies for boosting its image as a preferred tourist destination in the world'', he said.

General Rodrigues said, the administration had launched a campaign- ''My Chandigarh''- to enhance the level of interest among the tourists and visitors, he added action-oriented approach had been adopted for retaining the distinctive character of the city.

The administration is in the process of implementing various plans to place Chandigarh on the global tourism map through partnership endeavours, he said.

Emphasising on promoting medical tourism, General Rodrigues said that there is a need for evolving holistic programme with special emphasis on empowering girl child.

Ms Helen Economo Amundsen, Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the tourism potential in Canada and scope of collaboration in different tourism related fields.

Mr Kenneth Lim, Director, Singapore Tourism Board, gave a presentation on the highlights of the tourism services of the country.

Mr Vivek Atray, Director Tourism, Chandigarh, gave an account of series of initiatives being undertaken by the Chandigarh Administration for promotion of tourism in the Union Territory.

UNI