New tourism policy on anvil: Minister
Saturday, 16/11/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131116/punjab.htm#10
Sanghol (Fatehgarh Sahib) : With an aim to develop tourism, the state government would soon introduce a new tourism policy to attract foreign tourists to Punjab.
Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, who was here to preside over a cultural function at Cordia College, said: “The state government is planning to come up with a new tourism policy and the project report of the policy is in its final stage.” He said they were also taking steps to bring transparency to the hospitality industry and to keep a check on mushrooming of hotels in the state.
The minister said tourisms potential in Punjab had long been realised as the state had managed to get 12th rank among during the recent survey conducted by the Government of India, well ahead of Kerela and Jammu and Kashmir, and there was a need to create a strategic framework to take it forward.
“We are looking forward to create avenues through various segments with an aim to increase tourists’ stay in the state by at least a day to begin with," the minister said.
On safety of the foreign women tourists, the minister said the concept of tourist police was being introduced in the state. He said youth, who were well versed with English or other foreign languages, would be recruited. He said it would not only help in providing security to the women tourists but also guide them about the tourist places in the state.
The minister further said the state government with the help of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) would renovate and maintain heritage buildings in the state. He said they had received funds and work on the renovation of Aam Khas Bagh in Sirhind would be started soon to restore it to its pristine glory. He said there was also a proposal to restart the Maulsari restaurant adjacent to the Aam Khas Bagh which had been closed down about seven years ago.
