In a bid to explore tourism possibilities in the State six new tourism zones will be developed in the State. loan from Asian Development Bank will also be sought for promoting tourism.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed that roads linking state’s tourism centres should be constructed on priority. He was reviewing works and new proposals regarding tourism development at a meeting of State Tourism Development Council here on Tuesday.
Finance Minister Raghavji, Water Resources Minister Jayant Malaiya, PWD Minister Nagendra Singh, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Welfare Rajendra Pratap Singh, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Mohan Yadav and Chief Secretary R Parasuram were also present on the occasion.
It was informed at the meeting that 6 new tourism zones are proposed in the State including Salkanpur in Sehore district, Chitrakoot, Satna and Panna districts, Choral in Indore district, Maheshwar in Khargone district and Amarkantak in Anuppur district. Special facilities will be provided to those who invest in tourism sector in these zones. Preparations are afoot to hold International Gift Fair at Khajuraho next year.
Ultramodern techniques like quick response code and near field communications will be used to provide information about tourist centres to tourists. The Tourism Development Corporation will also chalk out a special package for creating interest among students towards tourism. Proposals regarding maintenance of heritage buildings and their development as heritage hotels were also discussed at the meeting. These include Taj Mahal and Benazir Palace in Bhopal city and other heritage buildings in Datia, Orchha, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh etc.
Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Raghavendra Kumar Singh made a presentation on media plan achievements and action plan.
Principal Secretary Tourism SPS Parihar, All-India Tour Operators Association President Subhash Goyal, Domestic Tour Operators Association president Subhash Verma, lalit Kala Akademi Chair KK Chakravarti and Satish Tyagi of Eco-Tourism were also present