The best way to overcome the blows the tourism industry has suffered due to the Covid-19 crisis is to promote local tourism so that local tourists are attracted, Chhattisgarh Tourism Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu said on Wednesday.
Accordingly, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board will develop water sports and cafeteria at all the prominent dams and water bodies of the state, Sahu told a meeting of the Board's Directors.
Different courses from the new academic session will commence at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, Nava Raipur, he added.
The coronavirus hit the tourism industry the most, the Minister said. Now the best option is to work on the policy of drawing local tourists to the state's tourism spots.
He directed preparation of a work plan for water sports at Madamsilli Dam in Dhamtari district. The Minister directed the Board to renovate the ‘Johar Chhattisgarh Hotel’ (state-owned). He said a ‘Paryatan Bhawan’ for multi-utility purposes should be constructed in the premises of the hotel for which a proposal should be prepared.
He sought plans for expansion of tourist facilities at ‘Mana-Tuta’ near Raipur.
The CTB Board of Directors discussed dividing the state into two or three zones to expedite tourism related works.