Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], September 28 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced a significant new initiative to open up vast opportunities for companies, institutions, and individuals involved in the travel and tourism industry.  

The chief minister declared on Friday that each year, on the occasion of the State's foundation day, those who demonstrate excellence in tourism will be honoured with special awards. 

The announcement was made during the Central India Connect Marketplace event held in Naya Raipur, co-hosted by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and the Chhattisgarh Travel Trade Association. The event was attended by several key representatives from the tourism and hospitality industry across Central India. 

This initiative is expected to attract the attention of travel and tourism companies, as they now have the chance to be recognised and rewarded for their outstanding performance by the state government. The initiative is seen as a major step towards elevating Chhattisgarh's tourism industry to new heights. 

Chief Minister Sai emphasised in the meeting the efforts of the government to make the state a prime tourist destination. "Chhattisgarh is rich in natural and cultural heritage, and the government is continuously working to position the state as a prime tourism destination," he said.

Sai further noted that the government is not only taking significant steps to promote tourism but also ensuring that contributors to the sector are duly recognized and rewarded. 

Chhattisgarh was also recently honoured by the Government of India for its tourism achievements.

Bastar's Dudmaras village received recognition for Adventure Tourism, while Chitrakote village was awarded in the Community Best Village category. Additionally, Sarodhhadar village secured a spot on the list of the Best Tourism Villages. 

In his address, Sai further highlighted that the government is actively working to promote tourism within the state. 

Chhattisgarh, known for its natural, cultural, and historical treasures, is focusing on the development of Wildlife Tourism, Rural Tourism, and Adventure Tourism, with the goal of establishing the state's tourism industry on the global stage.   

(ANI)