MP will be known for its tourist destinations: Puar

Bagish K Jha, TNN | Oct 31, 2012, 04.36AM IST INDORE: Listing tourism as one of the key focus areas of state, tourism minister Tukojirao Puar said on Tuesday that Madhya Pradesh will no longer be known only as India's heartland of India and for its tiger reserves, but will be also known for its hill stations, archaeological wealth, scenic forests, water bodies and religious places. "To make it possible, the state has made due amendments in its tourism policy by giving industry status to the sector. Now government will give capital subsidy up to 25% of investment, encourage budget hotels at religious places, have fast track clearance for investment above Rs 10 crore and have a 24X7 supply of power," said Paur adding that ten special tourism zones have been declared in state. The steps by state governments got good response from investors. Nine MoUs worth Rs 1,192 crore were signed on Tuesday and process is underway to finalize proposals worth Rs 7,215 crore of 14 investors. "Once implemented, the MoUs will provide jobs to around 20,800 youths of the state," said MD of MPSTDC Raghvendra Singh adding that efforts are being made for air connectivity between all the districts of state. CEO and MD of Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Amitabh Kant said that MP is unique destination because availability of so many tourist product in such close proximity. "Need to focus on infrastructure and skill development," said Kant. Subash Verma, president of Associations of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) said that MP has very good religious places and tourism department should focus on conversance of religious tourist into leisure tourism. "Domestic tourist is base of tourism and they should be given some sort of incentive," said Verma. However, Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travel Group of Companies said that policy is best, but state should focus on creating a brand. He stressed that one out of every nine will be created in tourism sector by 2020. "Tourism can provide local job and check migration," said Goyal. Secretary to chief minister of Maharashtra, Ashish Kumar Singh said that synergies between states are way to go forward. "India is major tourist generator today, with improving connectivity among tourist destinations across the state can divert Indian, who are going abroad to local destinations," he said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/MP-will-be-known-for-its-tourist-destinations-Puar/articleshow/17027588.cms