Buoyed over nearly four-fold increase in international tourist inflow during last three years, Tourism department is actively working on providing enhanced infrastructure to the tourists in the State. Department Secretary Rahul Sharma has said that the focus was more on upgrading infrastructure in and around established tourist destinations like Deoghar, Netarhat, Rajrappa and others besides creating whole new experience of tourism around yet to be developed spots like Patratu, Massanjore and few others.
Creating entire new and enhanced experience of tourism at places like Patratu Dam and valley and Massanjore Dam (Dumka) is undoubtedly on our cards. However, our prime focus is on developing infrastructure around cities and places like Netarhat, Deoghar, Rajrappa and others where we already have massive tourist inflow. Better road connectivity, improved communication connectivity, lodging and anything which could make tourists feel good and homely at those places are our priority work areas and we expect to provide same in less than expected time,” said Sharma on Friday.
As per department data, number of international tourists has increased from 45,994 in 2013 to 1,69,442 in 2016. Similarly, the number of domestic tourists had increased by around 65 per cent in the last three years.
Notably, Women and Child Development Department Minister louis Marandi had during her visit to Dumka earlier this week announced developing Massanjore Dam as a major tourist destination in the area. She praised district headquarter and places around saying that the district occupied distinct feature for tourism. Patratu near Ranchi is being developed as adventure and water sports tourism spot. Betla National Park is also being improved to attract more tourists.
The department which is busy in preparations of The Jharkhand Travel Mart, scheduled to take place on November 24-26 at Mega Sports Complex in Hotwar, is not apparently willing to think much on projects where it has to work from scratch.
“Rather we are taking things forward at places where we already have at least some kind of tourist inflow and we need to develop infrastructure there. We will soon have new hotel facilities at Netarhat, Rajrappa and other places. Development of guest houses to be run by JTDC is in process. We will soon have lighting facility from Ramgarh to Rajrappa so that those willing to return same day even on late hours find it easy,” said Sharma.
Notably, three day Jharkhand Travel Mart will showcase the tourism attractions of the State that would lead to an enhanced brand image as a destination.
“Jharkhand Travel Mart is a must attend travel exhibition presenting a diverse range of destinations in the state and industry sectors to India and International travel professionals. It is a unique opportunity for the travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business. With the advent of the strong middle class, ‘Jharkhand’ is perceived as an excellent ‘Value for Money’ destination,” he added.