Tourism infrastructure in Chhattisgarh is all set to get a new dimension due to the massive investment promised by the private investors during the recently concluded Global Investors Meet in Raipur. “We have attracted around Rs 3,500 crores in private investment for developing hospitality and tourism infrastructure in the state. Major hotel chains signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to set up their properties in Chhattisgarh,” S K Misra, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB), said. Apart from hospitality infrastructure, the government is looking at promoting Chhattisgarh as a MICE, pilgrim and ecotourism destination.
CTB is currently focused on promoting Sirpur, Manipat and Gangrail. “We have already set up our properties at these places. Moreover, we have also identified few more destinations to set up proper tourism infrastructure,” he added.
Misra was quite bullish over the recently concluded Sirpur Dance and Music Festival. “Our objective is to promote Sirpur at the international level as an extension to Buddhist circuit beyond Sarnath and Sanchi in Central India. The festival attracted tour operators from Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan,” he added.
CTB has also been promoting pilgrim centres. “Among the several pilgrimage spots in Chhattisgarh, we are trying to promote three shaktipeeths, Dantewada, Dongargarh and Ratanpur. We are also organising a Kumbh Mela at Rajim every year which draws a large number of tourists from across the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state tourism board has chalked out aggressive marketing plans to woo domestic tourists. “We are planning to promote the state in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and other neighbouring states. We also organise roadshows in major metros in the country,” he said.
