Tourism Industry to be driver of economic growth for Punjab: Navjot Singh Sidhu

Rozana Spokesman

News, Nation

 Punjab invites Tour operators of International repute

Navjot Sidhu

New Delhi : Asserting that Tourism Industry is going to be the driver of economic growth for the State, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu said that the endeavor of Punjab Government is to make tourism contribute 20 percent to Punjab`s GDP. The State has a vibrant culture and dynamic people who have traditionally open their homes and hearts to guests from all over the globe. The Minister effectively showcased Punjab as a brand holding immense potential for employment generation and economic growth.

Representing the State in India Tourism Mart-2018, in which Punjab is a partner state, Mr. Sidhu revealed that it was the wholesome effort of the State Government under dynamic leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to make more than 400 participating representatives from 60 countries related with Tourism and hospital industry in Tourism Mart, aware about the wonderful tourism destination that is Punjab.   

Mr. Sidhu further elaborated that Punjab has tied up with the tour operators of international repute who would play a yeoman’s role in connecting with NRI diaspora with their roots in Punjab back home. He also said that the Punjab Government would make available  arrangements regarding boarding, lodging and all other necessary amenities for the tourists at the places of religious and historical significance.

Mr. Sidhu further said that as some countries including Sri Lanka, Bali, Thailand and States in India were getting huge remunerations from Tourism Industry, Punjab has also the potential for Tourism to be the biggest employment generator for people of Punjab and hoped that the state shall gain its trajectory for a prosperous future.

Secretary, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Department, Mr. Vikas Pratap said that the State was making concerted efforts to connect with  the people related with Tourism and Hospitality sectors  from within India and  abroad. He informed that  about 18 international reputed Tour and travel operators shall be visiting   Amritsar and surrounding areas from 19th September for a Familiarisation Trip ( FAM trip).  Punjab had brought co-exhibitors to promote its destinations like Gobindgarh Fort,

Sadda Pind and the various Farm stay options of Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, etc  Today`s conclave India Tourism Mart was inaugurated by Union Minister for Railways and Coal Mr. Piyush Goyal and Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons along with other dignitaries.It is pertinent to mention that Punjab and Gujarat were theonly partner States in India Tourism Mart-2018 which was organized by Ministry of Tourism Government of India and Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism and Hospitality(FAITH). The international partner was Kingdom of Morocco.

It is worth noting that Punjab was also the theme state for the dinner hosted at I.T.C Maurya, New Delhi. On the occasion a New Travel Book on Punjab published by `Lonely Planet` was also released by Mr. Sidhu along with the Union Tourism Minister. Cultural performances were given by Artists from North  Zone Cultural Centre. ADB Country Director Mr. Kenichi Yokoyama, ITDC CMD Mrs. Ravneet Kaur, Director Punjab Tourism Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, FAITH Chairman Subhash Goyal and other dignitaries were also present.