Tourism Ministers’ Conference Concludes in Panaji, Goa

The Conference of Tourism Ministers of Western and Central States and Union Territories was held at Panaji, Goa under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Cabinet Minister of Chhattisgarh Shri Kedar Kashyap also participated in this important conference. The objective of the conference was to discuss the possibilities and challenges of tourism development in various states and union territories. On this occasion, the Union Tourism Minister called for cooperation and support from various states to improve and add new dimensions to the tourism sector.

The Union Ministry of Tourism organized the Conference of Tourism Ministers of Western and Central States/Union Territories in Goa to work together with all the states and union territories for the overall progress and development of tourism. So that concept building and discussions can be done for the tourism sector and a common vision can be prepared.

The focus of this meeting was on development of globally reputed tourist centers, development of alternative destinations, marketing and promotion, improvement in connectivity, cleanliness, ease of doing business and ease of doing business in the tourism sector as well as sharing of best practices related to attracting private sector investment in tourism. The conference covered topics such as iconic tourist centres of the state, alternative destinations, marketing and promotion, ease of doing business and private investment and cleanliness and tourist safety.

Cabinet Minister of Chhattisgarh Shri Kedar Kashyap highlighted the possibilities and challenges of tourism development in Chhattisgarh. He discussed the steps required to promote the potential of the state’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and tourist destinations, as well as discussed the challenges in the way of development. Minister Shri Kashyap sought support and resources from the Centre so that Chhattisgarh can be developed as a major tourist destination.

Minister Shri Kashyap, while addressing the conference, said that Chhattisgarh is a state full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, waterfalls, caves and rock paintings of prehistoric times. Our state is a unique example of glorious ancient folk culture along with historical, archaeological, religious and natural heritage.

He said that we have been receiving full support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. We have developed many projects with central assistance. ‘Tribal Tourism Circuit’ has been developed in Swadesh Darshan. Work of Dongargarh is in the final stages under Prasad Yojana. Earlier, Jagdalpur, Chitrakote, Bhoramdev, Sirpur, Ratanpur, Mainpat, Rajim, Malhar etc. places have been developed with central assistance. Work has also been done in this from the state budget.

Due to these development works and wide publicity of tourism, tourists have started coming here and the number of tourists is increasing continuously. In the coming time, Shaktipeeth sites will be developed in the state. We are also taking action for the development of ropeway and cruise tourism. Work is going on on the new tourism policy and action is also being taken to give tourism the status of an industry. We have prepared and released ‘Homestay and Bed-and-Breakfast’ guidelines in the state on the basis of the Center’s homestay guidelines. Preparations are also underway to prepare eco tourism policy, guidelines for adventure activities, guidelines for water activity license.

To give further impetus to tourism in the state, we have expectations of approval of new schemes from the Ministry of Tourism. A consultant is to be appointed from the Government of India level for the destinations Bilaspur and Jagdalpur selected in Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The concept plan of Kudargarh in Surajpur district has been submitted under the Prasad Yojana, whose approval is expected. As per the next presentation, new plans are being prepared whose proposals will be sent to the Ministry of Tourism soon.

Minister Mr. Kashyap said that action is being taken to lease out the highway motels built by private participation and investment and Chhattisgarh Tourism Board to the private sector for operation and management. So that tourists can get quality facilities on highways during their visit to tourist places.
Local participation, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has developed a nature trail in Chitrakote with the help of the Forest Department. It is being operated by women of the local women self-help group and with the aim of increasing their sources of additional income from tourism and providing tourists the experience of local culture, lifestyle and food, the facility of homestay bed and breakfast is also being provided and with the aim of preparing trained human resources in the hospitality sector and providing employment to the youth, the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition is being operated in the state of Chhattisgarh through Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.

Minister Shri Kashyap informed about the state’s plans for the next 5 years

Mr. Kashyap apprised of the state’s plans for the next 5 years, which include developing a circuit connecting five Shaktipeeths of the state, development of tourist places of Bilaspur and Jagdalpur destinations under Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0. Development work of Maa Kudargadhi Devi Sthal of Surajpur district and establishment of ropeway are included under Prasad Yojana. Similarly, developing wayside amenity for tourists on newly constructed highways and bypasses. Promoting the participation of local people in tourism activities. Promoting eco-tourism, agri-tourism, rural tourism and MICE (MICE) tourism. Schemes like giving the residential units of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board on lease to the private sector for operation are also included.

Union Minister of State for Tourism Mr. Suresh Gopi, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Mrs. Diya Kumari, Tourism Minister of Goa Mr. Rohan Khaunte, Minister from Madhya Pradesh Mr. Dharmendra Lodhi, Tourism Ministers and senior officials from the states were present on this occasion.