North India Cinematic Tourism Conclave

Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Tourism inaugurated.

 Inaugurating the North India Cinematic Tourism Conclave, recently at Chandigarh, Union Minister for Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai said that there was symbiotic relationship between the entertainment and tourism industries. The conclave was organised by NIMA in association with Chandigarh Tourism Department. The Minister said that film industry subtly promotes tourism of the locales used in the films, which has wide visibility to millions of people. Cinematic tourism is a vital economic activity than merely means of entertainment becomes, the Minister added.

Sahai said that Cinematic Tourism stimulates growth, generates substantial employment, and brings in valuable foreign exchange. Apart from generating jobs in production and distribution, entertainment industry indirectly supports the hospitality industries, stimulates business in hotels, catering companies, restaurants and transport providers. Visitors are keen to visit the location where their favorite stars were seen in the films. He disclosed that with Rs 10 lakh investment, tourism could generate 78 jobs.

The Conclave was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism, Chandigarh Administration and the North India Management Association for working out a strategy for an integrated planning and marketing of cinematic tourism as a niche market in the country.  It was recommended that a North India Cinematic Tourism Promotion Council should be formed with all the states as its members.

Punjab Tourism Minister, Hira Singh  Gabria, Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh,  K K Sharma, Principal Secretary Tourism  Haryana, Dhanpat Singh also addressed the conclave. Tourism Departments Chandigarh and Haryana made presentations.

Sahai said to synergize the efforts being made by the different state governments and the private players connected with Bollywood and small screen industry such regional conclaves should also be organsed in different zones of the country to be culminated to national cinematic conclave.

Sahai also released a “Roadmap” containing recommendations of NIMA for harnessing the vast cinematic potential of North India.