The north Indian state of Haryana has set its sights on becoming one of the country’s most popular tourist regions. Stretching from the outskirts of Delhi to the borders of four other states including Punjab and Rajasthan, the Haryana border is just six kilometres from the Indira Ghandi International Airport, India’s busiest gateway.

 

Only a separate state since 1966 when the Punjab was divided in two, Haryana is a historic and prosperous region of green fields and small resorts; ideal for a relaxing day trip from Delhi – or a longer break.

Golf, farmhouse holidays and cultural tourism are among the niche markets Haryana is hoping to cultivate.

Speaking at World Travel Market, Haryana’s tourism minister Mrs Kiran Choudhry said the state’s tourism infrastructure was developing very quickly - helped enormously by the Indian Government’s decision two years ago to massively reduce bureaucracy. This had simplified many rules and regulations which had enabled greater foreign investment and actively encouraged privatization.

“Haryana has also been pioneering the concept of Highway Tourism which has seen beautiful tourist complexes being constructed close to some of the major roads passing through the state,” she said. “Each resort includes hotels, motels, bars, fast food centres, health clubs and conference halls.”

Mrs Choudhry highlighted a two-day tour known as the North India Circuit which starts in Delhi and includes the heritage city of Kurukshetra, regarded as the birthplace of the Vedic civilization – the earliest civilization in Indian history - where there are no fewer than 860 places of pilgrimage. Mrs Choudhry said Kurukshetra was now being promoted as an international tourist destination.

The plans will be outlined at a World Travel Market press conference on Tuesday November 13, 2007 at 15.00. The press conference is being held in Rooms 14 & 15, North Gallery at the ExCeL exhibition centre.