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Tourism Department all set to attract visitors
Well furnished Swiss cottages will welcome tourists during the Ardh Kumbh Mela-2007. Courtesy, Tourism Department which is on its toes to establish the viability of the city from tourism point of view.
Well furnished Swiss cottages will welcome tourists during the Ardh Kumbh Mela-2007. Courtesy, Tourism Department which is on its toes to establish the viability of the city from tourism point of view.
At a meeting related to Ardh Kumbh fair preparations held in Lucknow on Tuesday, the department has been entrusted with the responsibility to provide multiple facilities to the tourists and pilgrims. The department will also highlight the tourism aspect of the city.
"The entire arrangements will be made to suit the needs of tourists who are hardly aware of the importance of Allahabad. Not only Sangam, but emphasis will also be made on visit to the other spots too. The total amount sanctioned for the purpose is Rs 21.06 lakh," said RK Yadav, regional tourist officer.
"The Swiss cottages will have the facility of 40 double beds, with each cottage having easy chairs, centre table, towel rack, carpet, quilt, etc.
In fact, the furnishings will convey the essence of availing the high class facilities amidst the religious environment. Those unable to bear the expenses could reside in the adjacent dormitory with 30 beds. Besides, there will also be a restaurant set up during Ardh Kumbh fair which will serve pure vegetarian cuisine.
The entire expenditure for the construction of Swiss cottages and dormitory will be borne by Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation," said Yadav.
"As a first priority, we will set up Tourism Information Centres at seven selected spots in the city namely at Parade ground, Allahabad railway station, Civil Lines bus station, Zero Road bus depot, Arail, Jhusi and Sangam. These centres will be equipped with folders bearing the required amount of information regarding the tourist spots in the city, city guide maps and appropriate literature. The centres will function round the clock and those appointed there will provide all the information to the tourists. These centres will start functioning from January 1, 2007. Altogether 53 people from the tourism offices across the state will be appointed with each centre having three receptionists and three class-IV employees. The money sanctioned for the purpose is Rs 10.50 lakh," said Yadav.
Almost 1,50,000 copies of city guide maps will be published which will contain the entire information related to city. The total amount allotted for the purpose is Rs 5 lakh.
"In order to motivate the tourists to visit other spots in the city as well as in its vicinity, a separate folder will be published of which we are planning to print as many as three lakh copies.
The expenses incurred on it will be Rs 4.50 lakh," added Yadav.
"Altogether 20 spots will be selected to erect the hoardings bearing the information about the city and the Mela area. Its estimated expense is Rs one lakh. Banners too will be set up in various places in the city," he added.
