Jharkhand Tourism Department is factoring in road connectivity to tourist spots and developing basic infrastructure around them to project the State as a tourist hub before it prepares its budget proposal for the financial year 2016-17.
listening to suggestions from stakeholders in this regard, Tourism Minister Amar Kumar Bauri and senior officials of the Department emphasised on the need of promoting Jharkhand as a brand among the tourists.
“Jharkhand is rich in art, culture and history but these have not been aptly endorsed. Tourists want to experience something new and our state has much to offer them. We need to pique their interest so that they come to visit Jharkhand,” Bauri said while addressing a workshop of hoteliers, travel agency representatives and other stakeholders on Tuesday.
Unveiling the plans to be covered by the Department in the next financial year, Tourism Director Suchitra Sinha said, “An immediate action plan will be formulated before March. We are planning to set up Wi-Fi zones near tourist spots. Parties have been selected through e-tendering for developing Rajrappa, Ulihatu and Sutiambe from tourism point of view. The film city project in Patratu will also be expedited. Bus services will be promoted to tourist spots with religious significance. A craft village will be set up in Gamharia, with special focus on local embroidery art, Santha.”
Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be appointed as brand ambassador for Jharkhand tourism, she added, with a PR agency being selected for marketing Jharkhand as a tourist hub.
Talking about Jharkhand Tourism Development plans for 2016-17, its Managing Director Sunil Kumar stated, “Water bodies like Burundi lake, Kanke, Urwan, Tenughat and Hatia dams will be utilised for local adventure and water sports. Parallel ropeways will also be started at waterfalls to attract more tourists. The existing properties run by the Corporation will be renovated and furnished to make them more welcoming to outside tourists.”
Along with these plans, concerns were raised over security threats hampering tourism in the State. On these concerns, Bauri stated, “the problem has been wrongly exaggerated. There has not been an incident with tourists since the State was formed. Tourists have nothing to fear, we guarantee their security.”
“The leading travel agencies of the nation are unaware of the prospects of Jharkhand in tourism. To build a good rapport with them, we will soon convene a seminar for them to let them know about Jharkhand, which they can relay to their customers. Intellectuals and writers should also promote Jharkhand in their writings and works. We first need to be proud of our heritage first, promoting it will follow soon,” he added.
A national magazine cum guide on travel and tourism in Jharkhand will also be launched shortly, Bauri mentioned.