Tourism to become the major revenue earner of Punjab
Navjot Singh Sidhu, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister of Punjab, states Tourism is going to be the major revenue earner of the state. He was speaking to the media in the India Tourism Mart 2018. The government is striving to make tourism contribute 20 per cent to the state’s GDP.
“The State has a vivacious culture and lively people who are ready to open their homes and hearts to welcome guests from all over the world,” said Sidhu while interacting with the media.
“Golden Temple is the largest visited monument in India which sees a daily footfall of more than 1.25 lakh persons, which is even more than Taj Mahal,” said Sidhu.
The minister reiterated the need of providing adequate infrastructure to facilitate tourists to flow to the state from other states and from abroad. “We invite tourists from all over the globe to visit Punjab and experience its diversity and unity of religions, its culture and heritage,” said Sidhu.
Sidhu said that Punjab has tied up with tour operators of international repute who would play a yeoman’s role in connecting with NRI Diaspora with their roots in Punjab back home.
“Punjab Government would make accommodations and all other necessary amenities for the tourists at the places of religious and historical significance,” he said.
Vikas Pratap, Secretary to Punjab Tourism and Cultural Department, informed that about 18 international reputed tour and travel operators shall be visiting Amritsar and surrounding areas from September 19 as part of a FAM trip.
“Punjab would partner with other exhibitors to promote its destinations like Gobindgarh Fort, Sadda Pind and various farm stay options of Amritsar, Hoshiarpur etc.,” he said.