Punjab government today said it will soon come out with a new policy on tourism to boost the sector.
"Government of Punjab is preparing a comprehensive Punjab Tourism Promotion Policy and would soon come out with it, wherein all the elements related to the tourism in the state will be given due focus.
"Northern region comprising eight states and UT of Chandigarh has a lot to offer. But, to tap this, we need to support the industry with supportive policies," Punjab Tourism Minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur said at the inaugural session of CII Tourism festival here.
"Development of single integrated tourism circuit can provide solution to numerous problems of the tourism industry," he added.
In his address, Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil said, "Tourism is the industry of future considering the lesser amount of investment needed and high returns expected and the potential that this sector has to generate foreign exchange."
Additional DG, Union Ministry of Tourism, Usha Sharma said, "Tourism industry in the country can reach new heights if all stakeholders come on board with their problems and issues."
She said that in 2012, foreign tourist arrival in India increased by 4 per cent and that of domestic tourists by 12 per cent, which shows a healthy growth rate of tourism sector in India.
Sharma said, "We are planning to come up with a policy of collective landing, giving 'Visa-on-Arrival' to four or more foreign tourists coming together.
