Punjab is becoming a top choice for tourists

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Since the Mann government came to power, Punjab's tourism sector has been reaching new heights, and immense potential is being seen in this sector. The state government has launched several initiatives with the aim of establishing Punjab as a unique destination on the global tourism map. The first Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart, held last year, is an example of the beginning of this ambitious project. CM Mann believes that with better infrastructure, this sector will become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the country. The government is also formulating a tourism policy for this purpose. Recently, the Punjab government inaugurated and dedicated a new ecotourism project at the Saleran Dam in Hoshiarpur, a significant step towards promoting tourism and generating local employment in the state. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann formally inaugurated the project, which was developed at a cost of Rs 2.80 crore, and said that this initiative reflectsthe government's commitment to transforming Punjab into a premier tourist destination. The Punjab government is actively working to improve the areas around the Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam, and the Kandi areas of Hoshiarpur district. These locations have the potential to become major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.

CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has stated that concrete steps will be taken to develop these areas as tourist destinations. An urban ropeway project will now be launched in the religious and historical lanes of Amritsar, which will not only ease traffic but also offer spectacular views of the city. Meanwhile, our centuries-old heritage sites such as the Aam Khas Bagh in Sirhind and the Darbar Hall in Kapurthala will be revived and transformed into luxury heritage hotels. In addition, the Pinkasia Tourist Complex will be built at Aam Khas Bagh in Ropar to expand tourist facilities. To promote business tourism, state-of-theart convention centers cum exhibition centers will be built in industrial hubs like Mohali and Ludhiana. These centers will open up new investment opportunities by making Punjab a trade and conference hub of North India. The Punjab government is also taking steps to promote the state's culture and heritage. Several fairs and festivals are being organized in Punjab. The government has launched projects worth 01.56 crore to promote Sri Chamkaur Sahib as a religious and pilgrimage site. This includes developing Ferozepur (Hussainiwala Border) under the culture and heritage category and Rupnagar (Anandpur Sahib) as a religious tourism destination. Tourism will be developed as a sustainable economic sector that benefits local communities while preserving the environment.