The Tourism Development Corporation has held a 'Paryatan Vimarsh' at Ujjain with a view to developing tourism in the State. Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawarchand Gehlot, chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation Tapan Bhowmik, vice-chairman of the State Planning Commission Babulal Jain, MPs Manohar Untwal, Sudhir Gupta and Satyanarayan Jatia, division's MlAs, zila panchayat presidents and mayors were present on the occasion.
Gehlot lauded 'Paryatan Vimarsh'. He said that now tourism sector is growing rapidly in Madhya Pradesh. The suggestions put up by public representatives at 'Vimarsh' should also be sent in writing to the corporation, he said.
Gehlot suggested to set up a toll-free helpline number so that domestic and foreign tourists can obtain information about the State's tourism destinations and facilities easily. He also stressed the need to implement an action plan to promote tourism in the State. He said that the State Government should prepare proposals. "We would make efforts for their sanction and release of funds by the Central Government on priority," he said.
Tapan Bhowmik said that the corporation's objective is to bring Madhya Pradesh on the world tourism map. 'Paryatan Vimarsh' will pave the way to promote tourism in the State through inclusive efforts. Bhowmik said that the first programme of ' Vimarsh' is being held at Ujjain and the next programme will be held in 7 divisions.
MD Hari Ranjan Rao gave his presentation on 'Tourism Development in the State - Challenges and Efforts'. He talked about the tourism potential, necessary tourism resources, tourism policy, challenges and efforts. He said that work is in progress to implement the Home Stay Scheme for the convenience of the tourists to the State. So far, 75 Home Stays have been registered.Tourism promotion councils have also been constituted in the districts. In-charge Ministers are chairpersons of these councils.
Mandsaur MP Sudhir Gupta stressed on the need for presenting a vision to attract tourists. Citing various examples, he said that the State has immense tourism potential.
MP Manohar Untwal spoke about the potential of religious and other tourism at Maa Chamunda's city Dewas. He described community participation as important for tourism development. Babulal Jain lauded the initiative of 'Paryatan Vimarsh' to obtain suggestions regarding action plans for tourism development. He called for preserving developmental gifts received by Ujjain during Simhastha.
During 'Vimarsh', public representatives of Ujjain and other districts put forth suggestions for better works regarding tourism development. MlA Mohan Yadav and others also put forth suggestions.
Tapan Bhowmik said that a booklet containing these suggestions will be published soon.