Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that in order to impart training and to develop skills, a national level training Institute will be set up in the field of tourism. Tourism will be given industry status. He was addressing the inaugural function of MP Travel Mart here on Saturday. Chouhan distributed first MP Tourism awards to 39 winners in 22 categories.
Chouhan further mentioned that there are wide scopes of employment opportunities in tourism sector. Madhya Pradesh is the first State of the country where Tourism Cabinet has been set up and favourable tourism policy has been made for the investors. Private sector has been encouraged in the tourism sector. Investment in tourism sector anywhere in the State will get 15 to 40 per cent subsidy to the maximum of Rs 10 crore. Tourism project to be established at Government land has been kept free from stamp and registration charges.
Moreover, first water - festival was organised in Hanuvantiya to encourage water-tourism. The next water -festival will be organised from December 15, 2016 to January 15, 2016.
Chouhan said that growth rate of Madhya Pradesh is above 10 per cent since last eight years. Similarly, agriculture growth rate is above 20 per cent since last four years. Better infrastructure facilities like roads, electricity and water are available in the State. Tourism is a powerful means to provide peace and happiness to the people.
Madhya Pradesh is the best tourism destination. Religious, spiritual, wildlife, heritage and adventurous tourism varieties are available in the State. Chouhan said that a campaign will be conducted to highlight tourism varieties and for branding Madhya at International level. Madhya Pradesh will be made centre of eco and adventurous tourism. He urged that investors should derive benefits of tourism policy of the State. Referring to the MP Tourism Awards, Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh Tourism was conferred with several national awards in the last many years. Now we ourselves are giving awards for excellence in the tourism sector. These awards will be conferred every year.