In order to tap the city’s tourism potential, the UT Administration will present a comprehensive tourism plan before the Union Ministry of Tourism before June 20 under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
According to officials, the major proposals include the development of a concert-cum-exhibition centre on 25 acres in Sarangpur and a fully digital museum at the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19.
The UT Tourism Secretary, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, had recently visited the Sarangpur site to review preparations for developing the ground as a venue for major events after several large concerts and public events were shifted to neighbouring cities of Panchkula and Mohali. As a temporary arrangement, the UT Tourism Department has decided to organise gatherings of over 5,000 people at Sarangpur until the proposed concert-cum-exhibition centre comes up on 25 acres in the area.
The Administration intended to develop the Sarangpur site on the lines of the Sector 34 exhibition ground, which traditionally hosted exhibitions and large events in the city. Once developed, the Sarangpur site will be the venue for exhibitions, concerts and other major public events that require large open spaces. Sarangpur offered a large open area and suited for big events, which otherwise led to traffic congestion and parking issues in the city.
At present, major events in the city are usually organised at the Sector 34 exhibition ground. However, due to frequent traffic congestion during major programmes, the Administration has been restricting permissions for very large gatherings there.
Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme of the Central Government, the UT Tourism Department has envisioned various projects aimed at enhancing the city’s tourism, cultural and recreational infrastructure.
The other focus areas of the Administration would be eco-tourism through lake, green spaces and other activities such as trekking, boating and cycling and cultural tourism through festivals, exhibitions and performances.
According to an inception report prepared by a consultant hired by the Union Ministry of Tourism, the city holds immense potential for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) tourism. The strategic location, excellent infrastructure and cosmopolitan atmosphere position the city as an attractive destination for hosting corporate events and large-scale conferences. The report highlights the city’s excellent accessibility, strong infrastructure and diverse cultural attraction, which make it an ideal destination for the MICE tourism.
With its renowned architecture, cultural heritage and wide range of accommodation options, the city offers a unique experience for business travellers. Its pleasant climate and safe environment further enhance its appeal as a premier MICE destination. Expanding meeting facilities and building a strong MICE brand presence could significantly boost its tourism profile.
The Ministry of Tourism recently held a meeting with officials from all states and union territories and directed them to develop a permanent policy and standard operating procedure for live performances. According to the ministry’s report, the tourism industry in Chandigarh alone directly employs 36,000 people.
