Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary Tourism of Chandigarh held a meeting with the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on Wednesday to reveal new initiatives for boosting tourism in the Union Territory. The proposals included a day pass for the visit, souvenir shops, a food festival at Sector 17 Plaza, and all senior-friendly activities under the plan "Tourism for All". These measures intend to uplift the image of the city among domestic and foreign tourists as well as achieve inclusivity at large.
Brar talked about the need to streamline departmental operations and enhance existing tourism facilities, according to an Indian Express report. Among the most prominent suggestions made was that of imposing a day pass for the entire city so that travel can be made easy for the visitors and encourage their longer stays.
In addition, the administration has planned to extend souvenir shops across important tourist destinations for people to carry back souvenirs from Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Tourism app was also discussed for improvements that help to build seamless experiences into travel.
Chandigarh's "Tourism For All" Initiatives
According to the report, there were also special mentions given on the importance of inclusion, especially for older adults. The Senior Citizens Corner in Sector 17 must be replicated in other locations to create friendly environments for older visitors, advised Brar.
Culinary and Cultural Attractions
A food festival at Sector 17 Plaza is still being lined up with cuisines from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other northern states promisingly. The administration plans to host weekly musical events in parks, where citizens' display of talents might keep adding splashes to city life, the report in Indian Express added.
Promoting Heritage
Brar travelled to Le Corbusier Centre, Capitol Complex, and Pierre Jeanneret House to add value to city's tourism attractions. These last three are core elements in Chandigarh's architectural history and also have the potential for much greater international exposure, the report said,
Public Feedback Invited
As a part of the public consultation process, the Tourism Department has placed a Google form on its website and social media pages for residents to provide their inputs regarding possible initiatives. The forms will be open only for seven days.