Chennai: The Chhattisgarh Tourism Roadshow organised by the industry body FICCI in the historic city of Chennai on Tuesday saw the congregation of travel promoters, service providers, stakeholders and government representatives who showed their determination to promote Chhattisgarh as one of India’s most promising tourism destinations for its rich cultural and other ecosystems.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr S Bharathidasan, Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, said the state of Chhattisgarh has several nature destinations with dense forests, cascading waterfalls, temples, Unesco heritage villages, ancient archaeological sites, abundant handicrafts, village homestays, adventure tourism, and areas like Bastar and Chitrakote known for sightseeing experience.
Ms S Padmavathy, Assistant Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said the state of Chhattisgarh is full of surprises as ecotourism adventures remain very astounding and heritage tourism and the biodiversity along with ancient temples and architecture, music and craft and infrastructure connectivity offer authentic and untouched offerings of the regions in and around to the visitors.
She wanted the tour operators to promote domestic tourism in Chhattisgarh as part of enriching the diversity of India.
Mr V P Jeyaseelan, Director, Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, and MD, TIDC, said that he had travelled to Chhattisgarh three times to see the state’s biodiversity with dense forests, Bastar sanctuary, Mahadev temple, water sports, Chitrakote waterfalls, limestone caves, tiger reserves, several unexplored hidden places, trekking adventure, etc.
He said that Tamil Nadu stands in second position in terms of domestic tourism what with its Pallava architecture in Kanchipuram and famous temples in Tiruchi and Madurai.
He advocated a digital platform on tourism to showcase religious and cultural aspects apart from business activities.
He further said that the hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud and the Nilgiris Mountain Railway and other destinations in Tamil Nadu can be promoted by tour operators and travel agents.
Mr Neelu Sharma, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, wanted everyone to make a visit to various destinations in Chhattisgarh with the help of tour operators who could be relied upon to explore the nature, culture of the people and the biodiversity of the state.
Mr Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, exuded optimism that the world could identify Chhattisgarh for its spiritual connection with Lord Shri Ram and its hoary past dating back to 1000 BC.
He noted Chhattisgarh is a place that is centrally located and at the heart of India with connectivity to various places by air and other travel options, adding the heritage sites and palaces and sports and adventure tourism along with widlife sanctuaries beckon the visitors from across the globe.
Mr Sriharan Balan, Co-convenor, Tourism, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council, said that the roadshow could create a new world for those who wanted to explore the dense forests, wild life and the pristine waterfalls and temples steeped in religious culture along with Bastar tribal culture..
He noted that the naxal areas in Chhattisgarh are now seeing growth of all kinds thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who believed in tackling terrorism through tourism.
Mr Jaspreet Singh Bhatia, Chair, FICCI Chhattisgarh Tourism Committee, said the road show has created opportunities for the travel agents and the government to showcase Chhattisgarh in all its splendours.
