Asserting that Tourism Industry is going to be the driver of economic growth for the state, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday said tourism can contribute 20 per cent to Punjab`s gross domestic product.
Representing the state in the India Tourism Mart-2018 being held in New Delhi, Sidhu said Punjab has a vibrant culture and dynamic people who have traditionally open their homes and hearts to guests from all over the globe.
The minister said the state government is making an effort to make more than 400 participating representatives from 60 countries related with tourism and hospital industry in Tourism Mart, aware about the wonderful tourism destination that is Punjab.
“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 the Taj Mahal. To explore the potential of Punjab Tourism in its full strength Punjab government has to act as a catalyst by building the right infrastructure and by making the right pitch in Indian and the overseas market,” Sidhu said.
“As we are on a path of creating facilities for tourists in Punjab we call the tourists from all over the globe visit Punjab and observe its diversity and stong unity of religions, its heritage and cultural richness,” he added.
The minister elaborated that Punjab has tied up with the tour operators of international repute who would play a yeoman’s role in connecting with NRI diaspora with their roots in Punjab back home.
He also said that the Punjab government would make available arrangements regarding boarding, lodging and all other necessary amenities for the tourists at the places of religious and historical significance.