Date:17/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/07/17/stories/2005071701920300.htm

Back States drawing up plans to promote tourism

Our Bureau

Mr Surja Narayan Patro, Minister for Tourism, Energy & IT, Government of Orissa, with Lt. Gen. T.P.S. Rawat, Minister of Excise, Tourism & Sainik Welfare, Government of Uttaranchal, at a national conference on `Tourism: The Monsoon India' in the Capital on Saturday. — Kamal Narang

New Delhi , July 16

IN a move that could see the domestic tourism season being extended beyond October-April, various State governments are drawing up extensive plans to promote niche products and promote the States as tourism destinations, the Minister for Tourism, Orissa, Mr Surjya Narayan Patro, said here on Saturday.

Addressing the national conference on tourism organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr Patro said the Orissa Government was drawing up extensive plans to promote the monsoon season there.

Addressing the conference, the Tourism Minister of Uttaranchal, Lt Gen T. P.S. Rawat, said the State has many "unique selling points" to promote tourism.

He said the State Government has come up with a forward-looking policy, which would promote the State as a tourist hub. It is keen to promote Uttaranchal as a year-long destination and has given the tourism sector the status of a "thrust industry", Lt General Rawat said.