Open House: What additional steps should Chandigarh administration take to promote tourism?

Improving air quality will attract tourists

Chandigarh has a lot of potential when it comes to tourism because it is located in the foothills and people travel here to visit Shimla. Kullu, Manali. The introduction of better tourist buses, as well as making Chandigarh’s airport a proper international airport by introducing at least once a week flights to and from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, will undoubtedly benefit tourism. It can also attract a large number of tourists from other countries. This will help to put Chandigarh on the international map. Improving cleanliness and air quality can undoubtedly attract more tourists.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Install ticket vending machines

The UT administration should install vending machines in various locations throughout Chandigarh, such as near every tourist attraction, and make ticket distribution completely automatic when entering tourist attractions such as Rock Garden. Second, maintain what UT already has, such as foliage and cleanliness.

Anurag, Mohali

City should host larger lit fests

Chandigarh is already a popular tourist destination, but we need to host literature festivals such as the Jaipur Lit Fest, Sports Literature Fest, Heritage and Culture Fest, and so on. We need to connect people, especially students, with successful people to inspire them to make a difference in their lives. More and more activities will divert youth’s attention towards productive activities, which are critical at this time. The PU campus should be restored to their former glory in order to attract the best minds. The campus situation is dire as a result of the financial crisis. Competitions should be held in all fields to establish Chandigarh as the best city in all aspects.

Opinder K Sekhon, Chandigarh

Make city mor senior citizen-friendly

Chandigarh’s unique heritage, including Le Corbusier’s legacy, should be highlighted. We must also create nature trails, organise bird watching tours and water sports at Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. There is also a need to improve public transportation, such as golf carts within sanctuaries, to help senior citizens move around. Building more cafés and restaurants, entertainment hubs and organising festivals and craft fairs can all be beneficial.

Harinder S Bhalla, Chandigarh

Train police to better serve tourists

All of the proposed projects should focus on technology-driven facility booking for immersive tourism experiences. The UT Administration should improve the official website by adding new sections to make it a more comprehensive source of information. A user-friendly mobile app will make it easier for visitors to use the convention centre and amusement park facilities. The police must ensure the safety and security of visitors. Increase the size of the tourist police force. Training capsules for police personnel are required to ensure a code of conduct for safe and honourable tourism that protects tourists’ rights. The officials should also request that the Ministry of Culture expedite the special grant for the Nehru Centre for Performing Arts.

Brig Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Foster welcoming local attitude

Chandigarh, along with the Tricity region, has enormous potential to become a global tourist destination. Key improvements, such as upgrading the international airport, decongesting roads with rapid transit systems and promoting electric vehicles, can significantly increase its appeal. Initiatives such as the development of a theme park, water sports at Sukhna Lake and tourist huts in its catchment area will entice visitors. Beautifying entry points, providing unrestricted cab services and fostering a welcoming local attitude will all help boost tourism. With the construction of an international convention centre and a Film City, Chandigarh could compete with destinations such as Singapore or Dubai in 5-10 years, boosting India’s economy.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Encourage nightlife with music, food fests

To further boost tourism, the administration should create themed walking tours that highlight the city’s history and culture. Introduce hop-on/hop-off buses and city passes to facilitate exploration. Encourage nightlife with live music venues and food festivals. Create immersive experiences, such as virtual reality tours and escape rooms. Collaborate with influencers and bloggers on promotional campaigns. Offer incentives for environment-friendly and sustainable tourism practices.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Take to heritage walks, green fests

To further boost tourism, the administration should think about heritage walks that highlight the city’s distinct culture and history. Furthermore, they could launch interactive digital campaigns highlighting local art, cuisine and hidden gems. Developing eco-friendly tourism initiatives, such as bicycle tours and green festivals, will appeal to environmentally conscious visitors. Engaging local communities in creating authentic experiences and ensuring seamless connectivity to other tourist destinations would result in a more vibrant and inclusive tourism ecosystem.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Medical tourism will benefit economy

Medical tourism can benefit both businesses and the economy. There are currently no facilities for boarding and lodging for attendants and relatives accompanying patients, and people seek shelter in nearby Gurdwaras due to limited space. A medical village with all boarding and lodging facilities will be built to promote medical tourism.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

Resolve parking woes, preserve landmarks

Chandigarh has long been a popular tourist destination in North India due to its beauty and well-planned infrastructure. Chandigarh has also served as the base for tourists visiting Himachal on vacation. Chandigarh already has many tourist attractions on its map, including the lake, Rose Garden, Rock Garden and other planned buildings such as the Secretariat, Vidhan Sabha and the High Court. However, the parking chaos at these locations causes inconvenience to tourists. Other things can be added to the beautiful city, but maintaining the existing ones and making it easier for tourists to visit may attract more visitors.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas, Chandigarh

Update convenience centres, info boards

For the convenience of visitors, accurate and up-to-date information about tourist attractions’ opening hours, tickets and holidays should be uploaded. Staff at the ticket counter should properly guide and inform tourists. Hoardings or guides should be present at tourist attractions to properly guide visitors.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Need more int’l connectivity

The UT Administration’s plan to develop Chandigarh as a sustainable tourist destination is a positive step. To promote tourism, Chandigarh serves as the gateway to Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. So there is a need to begin international flights from Chandigarh to global destinations. This will attract international visitors. In addition, Tricity will become a potential hub for medical tourism and economic development. MPs should work together to raise issues in parliament so that Chandigarh Airport can be fully operational.

Col Balbir Singh, Chandigarh

Utilise bhavans for affordable lodging

Chandigarh, the city beautiful, has many features that attract and promote sustainable tourism footfall because it is well connected. A cutting-edge convention centre will be a significant boost and a success story, increasing the importance of the city. Similarly, the proposed amusement park will be an additional feather in the cap. Such large projects will also create many job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers. Now, the administration must increase the basic needs of tourists for affordable boarding and lodging facilities in Panchayat Bhavan, UT guest house, Citco enterprises and MC-owned community centres. Numerous other religious and social categories exist because the bhavans to whom land has been allotted at very low rates can be made to accommodate tourist rushes as needed at affordable rates. This is essential for attracting lower and middle-class tourists, who cannot afford to use private sector facilities because they are prohibitively expensive.

Vijay Shukla, Chandigarh

Monitor activities of street vendors

Chandigarh has consistently been a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. Though the administration and all authorities are eager to make more and more amenities available to tourists, their enthusiasm fades when they encounter the fleecing vendors in sectors 17, 22, and 19, who treat these visitors rudely. The administration should monitor the activities of these vendors who even encroach on the path of the markets.

Gobind Ahuja, Chandigarh

Residents should assist visitors

First and foremost, the city’s entrance should be attractive and easily accessible from neighbouring states. Large signs mentioning the special places to visit, reasonable lodging, and the cheapest transportation options should be displayed at the entrance and prominent locations. Besides, city residents do not hesitate to assist visitors to their beautiful city. Last but not least, digital platforms should be used to promote various exhibitions, sporting events and cultural festivals.

Savita Kuthiala

Implement ‘make my trip’ model

To truly promote tourism, the administration should implement the Make My Trip model. The scheme should not be limited to Chandigarh, but should include all nearby important sites, including places of historical and religious significance, within a radius of up to 100 km. For this purpose, interested agents may be involved in making arrangements for tourists on a commission basis or by inviting tenders. Counters should be located near bus stops, railway stations and airports to make it easier for visitors. All of this requires professional planning.

Surinder Paul Wadhwa, Mohali

Enhance security arrangements

The plan to build amusement parks, a high-tech convention centre and other entertainment attractions to boost tourism in the city is a positive step. Such world-class amenities will not only boost tourism and revenue generation, but will also make the city more attractive on a global scale. While planning such amenities, authorities must ensure good connectivity, adequate automated parking space, nearby lodging facilities/hotels, and a well-designed commercial hub with restaurants, fast food outlets and craft outlets. Theme parks should adhere to international safety standards, make security arrangements and have contingency plans in place for medical emergencies.

SS Arora, Mohali

Promoting city is shared task

Besides applauding the government’s efforts to boost tourism, the mission requires tangible participation from every household, including inviting friends and family both locally and internationally. Specific objectives such as business, industry, education (separately for students in schools, colleges, and universities), medical care and cure, and religious and spiritual interests should be pursued. It is critical that boarding and lodging facilities be developed at points of interest and importance so that locals can spend a day or two on purposeful picnics, as the majority of locals in the Tricity are unaware of and unacquainted with the vast and varied treasure trove that is easily accessible.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Make public transit more accessible

Chandigarh is a beautiful, modern city. But there is a need to increase tourism. Sustained effort is required for success. All gardens, including Pinjore, Rose, Rock and Terrace, should be improved. The surrounding area of both lakes and the museum/art gallery should be developed. Religious sites such as Mansa Devi, Jayanti Devi, Nada Sahib and Kalkaji temple, among others, should have frequent shuttle/local bus services. Tourists should also have access to more shuttle/local bus (CTU) services when visiting various sites. There should be proper parking arrangements. The administration should set up canteens for food at each site. Cleanliness should receive special attention. The entry fee should be lower. Police officers should be stationed there for the safety of the public.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Expand, beautify bird park

In addition to the convention centre and amusement park, we must include some unique projects. One of them is an existing bird park that could be expanded and beautified. We must transform our jungles into a tourist attraction. Much more is required to make the city clutter-free. We can create some bird sanctuaries along the water bodies. Some beautification projects for the Sector 17 market, as well as regular concerts, can help to boost tourism.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma

Improve quality of basic infrastructure

Chandigarh, the City Beautiful, has a lot of tourism potential because it’s a gateway to so many hills. In addition to the convention centre, amusement park and five-star hotels, it should include some budget hotels. Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport may expand its air connectivity to include more Indian cities and international destinations. The quality of roads and basic infrastructure requires improvement. The city has many tourist attractions, including Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Secretariat and nearby religious tourism destinations such as Mansa Devi temple and Gurdwara Nada Sahab. Finally, proper marketing is required.

Sqn Ldr Manjit Singh Johar

QUESTION FOR NEXT WEEK

During the Administrator's Advisory Council meeting, the tricity Metro project was debated, with key members differing on its feasibility. Should the authorities focus on the Metro project to address traffic issues or explore alternative transportation solutions?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com