Chandigarh, November 4: Punjab’s Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has issued directives to the senior officials of the department to elevate Punjab’s tourism sector to an international level. During a review meeting at the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board office in Sector 38, Sond highlighted that Punjab has vast potential in tourism, and a policy to encourage tourism beyond the religious sector should be developed soon.
He mentioned that “village tourism” in Punjab could be further promoted. Additionally, efforts could be made to encourage tourism around various festivals and fairs across different regions. Sond suggested that the ‘Bed and Breakfast’ scheme, aimed at providing experiences of rural Punjab, should be promoted more widely. He pointed out that Punjab’s cuisine is renowned worldwide, and several cities offer a delightful taste experience. Therefore, possibilities in the “food tourism” sector should also be explored.
Sond further added that Punjab’s festivals and fairs hold a unique place in the social sphere. He directed officials to devise a plan for celebrating Punjab’s major festivals and fairs on a larger scale to attract more tourists to the state. He also instructed that Punjab’s tourism and culture be extensively promoted on online and social media platforms.
“Punjab’s name will shine on the Global Tourism Map”: Tarunpreet Singh Sond
* Special emphasis on promoting tourism in every sector
* Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister holds review meeting with senior officials of the department
* Instructed to prepare a framework for celebrating Punjab’s festivals and fairs on a larger scale
* Punjab Government to provide more opportunities to local artists, playwrights/Drama Artist, and unrecognized singers and poets/Kavishar.
During the meeting, the Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs directed senior officials to offer more opportunities to local artists, playwrights/Drama Artist, and unrecognized singers and poets/Kavishar. He emphasized that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, is committed to giving such artists maximum opportunities and recognition at official events. He also instructed that these artists be registered on the portal of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department.
The meeting also discussed the construction and beautification of an “entry gate” on the Haryana side as one enters Punjab. Sond mentioned that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, efforts will be made to erect gates and statues along the GT Road that showcase Punjab’s culture, heritage, and social fabric. He also shared plans to construct a unique memorial in Fatehgarh Sahib in memory of the Sahibzadas.
The Tourism Minister reviewed various projects and department properties during the meeting. He instructed senior officials to achieve meaningful outcomes by coordinating effectively with the central government for the development of tourism in Punjab. He also advised making the best use of the central government’s policies and schemes for promoting tourism. Present at the meeting were Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Secretary of the department, Mrs. Amrit Singh, Director, and other senior officials from the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department.
