Himachal Pradesh would explore the possibilities of joining hands with Haryana in marketing its tourism potential through all its channels and promote village tourism in a big way. This was revealed by Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister in a meeting held with the Tourism Minister of Haryana, Smt. Kiran Chaudhary who along with a high level delegation called on him here today.
Chief Minister said that his Government would extend all possible help to promote tourism activities with mutual cooperation and open its channels for promoting tourism in Haryana.
Singh said that there was need to explore all sectors of tourism promotion which included natural, religious, heritage, adventure, village and allied activities.
He said that his Government was committed to promote village tourism in a big way by creating necessary infrastructure in the villages and associate villagers in offering their spare accommodation to house the tourists and provide them local food to acquaint them with the way of life of villagers in Himachal Pradesh.
He said that all such houses would be registered only after verifying the facts and ascertaining that the infrastructure created was upto the norms laid down by the State Government where the visitors would be safe and comfortable.
Chief Minister said that the State had about 8 million tourists during previous year which was much above its population.
Smt. Kiran Chaudhary, Haryana Minister for Tourism requested the Chief Minister for joining hands in aggressive marketing of the tourism potential available in both the States and emphasized the need for a combined tourism portal of all the Northern States so that a complete package was offered to the tourists visiting the zone.
She said that Haryana had entered into farm tourism and the same was gaining popularity amongst the tourists who want to spend some time away from the metropolitan hustle and bustle.
She said that the State had developed 44 tourist resorts in the Government sector and 28 in the private sector.
She said that Kurukshetra, Pinjore Heritage Garden and Surajkund Craft Fair were favourite destinations for the visitors from the world over.
She said that the entry points to Himachal Pradesh would be improved and developed to facilitate the smooth visits of the tourists. She also urged the Chief Minister to improve the approach from Himachal side to hill station of Morni to help visitors enter the State more conveniently.
