‘Futuristic tourism policy will give Haryana an edge, PPP the key’

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: Giving a thrust to tourism promotion in the state of Haryana, the department of tourism has framed a tourism policy 2008, (announced in January this year) which is expected to bring Haryana on global map as the next tourist destination. The policy is aimed at harnessing the direct and multiplier effects of tourism in employment generation, poverty alleviation and women empowerment in an environmentally sustainable manner. Kiran Choudhry, minister of state for tourism shares her vision with Preeti Parashar of FE about the aspects of tourism as an economic generator.

With the tourism policy in place what is going to be your modus operandi for promoting tourism in the state?

The tourism policy is quite futuristic and it is expected to give impetus to tourism for the next 2 to 3 decades. We have identified some blocks where tourism was non-existent and were declared backward. From tourism point of view, Thanesar, Pehowa, Jagadhri, Panipat, Hisar, Bhiwani and Rewari blocks of the state are of low density and will also be treated as industrially backward blocks. Our efforts will be to revive such blocks on tourism front. The tourism policy aims at increasing the earnings from tourism inflow at the rate of 10% annually. We are also trying to tap new areas of heritage, adventure, eco, medical & farm/rural tourism in order to promote large scale employment opportunities while protecting environment and heritage.

Tourism circuits are also being developed. How will they help in giving impetus to tourism?

An integrated development of Panipat-Kurukshetra-Pinjore is on the cards as a tourist circuit. The Centre has sanctioned about Rs 8 crore for developing these districts. Thapli, Morni, Tikkartal and Pinjore will be developed as eco-tourism circuit. Plan will be made for setting up world-class infrastructure in private-public partnership. A constructive and mutually beneficial partnership between the public and the private sector through all feasible means is an absolute necessity for the sustained growth of tourism and employment generation. It is, therefore, the policy of the government to encourage emergence of such a partnership. Haryana also plans to have Mahabharata circuit, Sufi circuit, eco tourism circuit and heritage circuit.

Which are the new projects being planned for the state to attract more tourists? Is PPP model being promoted?

We will be developing integrated tourist destinations in collaboration with the private players. The proposed Palace on Wheels will pass through Pinjore and Kurukshetra in Haryana. Tilyar, Daruheda, Hodal and Karnal will be developed as key destinations. Projects under PPP mode include a proposed hotel and spa spread over 9 acre at Kalesar, a theme park based on the gospel of Geeta at Kurukshetra. An integrated tourism resort to be spread over 50 acre is proposed at Bhondsi. A sculpture gallery is also in the pipeline at Surajpur with a drive in theatre for movie lovers. All these projects will help in branding Haryana for tourism promotion. Even the hospitality industry will get a leg up in the state with about 17 hotels to be developed under the PPP model by 2010. It is proposed to set up adventure sites in public & private partnership in Sohna and Damdama for theme parks and camping sites for recreation and holidaying. The existing Golf Courses, spas and polo etc. near Gurgaon will be an added attraction.

Any incentives being provided in the policy for new projects under the PPP model?