Punjab Tourism holds roadshow for 1st Punjab Tourism Summit

The roadshow in Delhi was part of the series of events held in Jaipur, Mumbai and Hyderabad

Punjab Tourism will hold the inaugural Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart in Mohali, near Chandigarh, from September 11-13, with the objective to showcase state’s rich heritage and foster tourism growth.

In order to promote the event, Punjab Tourism has organised a series of roadshows across India, with the latest being held in New Delhi on Saturday. On the occasion, Anmol Gagan Mann, Minister of Tourism of Punjab urged tour operators and potential investors to participate proactively in the Summit and help the state develop its tourism industry to the true potential.

Anmol Gagan Mann

‘‘Punjab has everything that a tourist can look for, be it an Indian tourist or a foreign visitors. We have rich heritage, an amazing culture, a world-renowned cuisine, greatest spiritual destinations as well as a rich and virgin nature,’’ Mann said in her address.

The roadshow in Delhi was part of the series of events held in Jaipur, Mumbai and Hyderabad, organised to create awareness about the summit.

The summit aims to put the spotlight on the state’s abundant heritage, traditions, art forms, and customs, positioning Punjab as a prime tourist destination. 

‘‘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 would be a runaway success. Under the leadership of our Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is dedicated to enhancing tourism, creating opportunities for both inbound and domestic visitors. Our initiatives aim to elevate the state’s reputation with business-friendly policies and captivating tourist attractions,’’ she said.

“Our government believes in working and in clearing all hurdles in the path of those who want to help us develop our state. We have special incentives to promote tourism and hospitality and it is our endeavour to position Punjab as the top destination for medical tourism in India,’’ Mann added.

“Medical tourism and cutting-edge dental facilities are set to flourish in Jalandhar, with a special emphasis on dental tourism aimed at the Indian diapora. The state’s existing vibrant dental tourism landscape is already well recognised across the diaspora. Our latest initiatives around development of water and adventure parks aim to attract a larger audience to the state. Simultaneously, the development of picturesque farm stays and cottages in rural areas rich with scenic beauty will offer a charming respite,’’ she told the participants in the roadshow in Delhi.

“The 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,’’ Mann said.

In her address, Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs, emphasised the significance of two key initiatives, wellness tourism 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. 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,’’ she said.

Bhandari added that 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. 

She said that while 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.