Mohali: The Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart, a highly anticipated event, began Tuesday with a grand opening ceremony at Amity University in Mohali.
This event, taking place from September 11 to 13, is a significant milestone in Punjab’s efforts to establish itself as a top international tourist destination.
The summit had a notable presence of respected speakers, industry leaders, and tourism enthusiasts from India and other countries.
The Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Mann, inaugurated the event, which was a significant opportunity to highlight Punjab’s cultural heritage and dedication to promoting tourism.
The day started with the Travel Mart Inaugural Ceremony, which included informative sessions and discussions.
Anurag Verma, the Chief Secretary of Punjab, welcomed everyone and explained that the purpose of the summit was to transform Punjab into a top tourist destination.
He emphasised the abundance of heritage, traditions, and art in Punjab and the need to collaborate with industry leaders to create a concrete plan for achieving this goal.
Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, emphasised the government’s strong dedication to promoting tourism and creating opportunities for both visitors and locals.
She stated that the Chief Minister’s vision of “Rangla Punjab” has become a reality in just 31 days.
Traditionally, Punjab has been known for its bravery, sacrifice, and struggle for freedom, represented by the colors red, yellow, and orange.
However, through this initiative, Punjab will showcase its true kaleidoscope of colours, offering travellers a unique and memorable experience.
Ms Bhandari discussed the growth of Punjab Tourism beyond religious and historical travel.
The state is now focusing on water and adventure tourism, with activities such as river rafting and paragliding.
Additionally, Rangla Punjab aims to empower women in the tourism industry.
Ms Bhandari also mentioned the Punjab Investment Business Development Policy, which provides incentives to investors and promotes a business-friendly environment in the state.
The ceremony included well-known figures like Kapil Sharma, a producer and celebrity, who praised Punjab Tourism for their efforts in promoting tourism and film.
The government official highlighted the importance of promoting the film industry in the State and suggested inviting Bollywood professionals to discover new filming locations.
