Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart: Showcasing Punjab’s Rich Heritage and Tourism Growth
The Punjab Government is basking in the glory of an overwhelming response to the inaugural Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart, slated to be held from September 11 to 13 in Mohali, Punjab. This event is poised to showcase the state’s rich heritage and usher in a new era of tourism growth. Let’s delve into the details of this grand affair that promises to put Punjab on the map of Indian tourism.
A Successful Roadshow
The journey towards the Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart began with a four-city roadshow. Starting in Jaipur on August 23, it made its way through Mumbai on August 24 and Hyderabad on August 25, before culminating in Delhi on August 26. These roadshows were a strategic move by the Department of Tourism to create awareness and anticipation for the upcoming summit.
Spotlight on Punjab’s Heritage
The heart of this event lies in its intention to illuminate Punjab’s abundant heritage, traditions, art forms, and customs. By doing so, it aims to position Punjab as a prime tourist destination. During the four-city roadshows, the Department of Tourism unveiled a series of strategic initiatives dedicated to fostering tourism growth and enriching the state’s cultural landscape.
A Milestone Event
As the curtains came down on this successful roadshow, Ms. Anmol Gagan Mann, Punjab’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, expressed her optimism. She stated, “We have received overwhelming support from trade partners and tourism bodies during our four-city roadshow for the inaugural Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart. We are sure that the event in September will be a runaway success.”
Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing tourism and creating opportunities for both inbound and domestic visitors. Their initiatives aim to elevate the state’s reputation with business-friendly policies and captivating tourist attractions.
Diverse Tourism Initiatives
Ms Mann shed light on the thriving business environment, summarizing special incentives in tourism and hospitality. She also highlighted the Punjab Government’s endeavour to position the state as the top destination for medical tourism in India.
Punjab is set to become a hub for medical tourism, with a special emphasis on NRI dental tourism. The state’s existing vibrant dental tourism landscape is already well-recognized across the diaspora. Additionally, Punjab is developing water and adventure parks to attract a larger audience. The development of picturesque farm stays and cottages in rural areas rich with scenic beauty will offer a charming respite.
The Katarpur Pilgrimage
The iconic Katarpur pilgrimage is poised for promotion, and an innovative state tourism app is on the horizon to provide comprehensive information about the state’s varied initiatives. Punjab Travel Mart will serve as a platform to attract forward-thinking tourism professionals from across the nation and beyond. Foreign and domestic tour operators, DMCs, DMOs, travel trade media, travel influencers, hotel operators, B&B and farm stay owners, tourism boards, and more are expected to participate. With this dynamic convergence of stakeholders, Punjab aspires to establish itself as a premier global tourist hotspot.
Punjab’s Aspirations
Amritsar, Roopnagar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Fatehgarh Sahib have already captured the attention of foreign tourists. The Department of Tourism envisions catapulting Punjab to the forefront of Indian tourism, setting the stage to become a leading international tourist destination by 2030.
Empowering Women in Tourism
Acknowledging the efforts of the government, Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, IAS Principal Secretary of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the significance of two key initiatives – wellness and women in tourism. Leveraging Punjab’s serene surroundings and rich cultural heritage, these two initiatives will attract wellness seekers and empower women in the tourism industry.
Ms. Bhandari stated, “Punjab’s aspiration to become a wellness hub aligns seamlessly with its cultural heritage. Additionally, empowering women in tourism promises socio-economic growth. By fostering women’s participation and offering training and financial support, we aim to catalyze positive change.”
Punjab’s Tourism Initiatives
Punjab’s initiatives include Invest Punjab, a comprehensive investment promotion office, and fiscal incentives on tourism under the Industrial Policy 2022. The state’s focus areas for tourism development encompass adventure and water tourism, wellness tourism, medical tourism, and agri/eco-tourism, with an emphasis on rural home and farm stays. The synergy of these initiatives is expected to enrich the quality of life and livelihood of Punjab’s residents while elevating its stature in the global tourism landscape.
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