TravTalk India Online Magazine
The first ever Punjab Travel & Tourism Mart, organised recently in Mohali, aimed to attract investments in the tourism sector and put the state on world tourism map. Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister, Punjab, was among the dignitaries who attended the inaugural ceremony.
Suhani Sood
The Punjab Travel & Tourism Mart, organised at Amity University, Mohali, from 11- 13 September, aimed to attract investments in the tourism sector of Punjab and put the state on world tourism map. Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister, Punjab; Anmol Gagan Maan, Tourism Minister, Punjab, and Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Punjab, were among the several dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony and a cultural event on the opening day. A large travel mart and Fam trips were organized on 12 and 13 September. Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony, Bhagwant Mann said,
“Through Rangla Punjab, we want to showcase all niches of tourism, be it eco-tourism, weddings, M!CE, sports, or adventure.” He said that Punjab is in a “sweet geographical spot”, as tourists cross Punjab to reach many destinations. “We want to make Punjab a prime tourist destination rather than just a cross-over destination,” he added.
In her keynote address, Anmol Gagan Maan said, “We are aggressively promoting tourism to increase domestic and international footfall, which will, in turn, provide employment opportunities.”
She also shared insights into border tourism, spiritual tourism, and wellness tourism. Rangla Punjab: Not just dream but vision Bhandari pointed out that the government is dedicated to promote tourism, and create employment and investment opportunities in the state. “Rangla Punjab is not only a dream but also a vision,” she said, adding that, “We unveil colours of tourism and hospitality, promising an unforgettable and sustainable experience, as the world has only seen colours of sacrifice, and freedom.”
Bhandari said that Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala have already captured attention of foreign tourists. “Punjab tourism department envisions in developing Punjab as a forefront and prime destination by 2030,” she said. Anurag Verma, Chief Secretary, Punjab, explained how Punjab is known for hospitality. “Yet when it comes to the hospitality industry, we are not one of the top rankers,” he said.
Valmiki Hari Kishan, Chairman, FTCCI, was there as a trade partner. Alka Kapoor, Senior Marketing Manager, Punjab Tourism, was happy with the success of the event. “I personally got amazing responses from the buyers and exhibitors,” she said.
