Chandigarh Set to Boost Tourism with Online Ticketing, Tourist Police, and Streamlined Services

The Chandigarh Administration is preparing to launch a comprehensive tourism promotion plan aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal as a prime tourist destination. This initiative, set to be unveiled in the next 15-20 days, focuses on improving the overall visitor experience for both domestic and international tourists.

Key Features of the Tourism Plan

The plan is designed to introduce a range of modernized services that streamline and improve the tourist experience. These include:

• Online Ticketing: Simplifying the ticket purchase process for various tourist attractions.
• Single-Window Clearance System: Allowing a seamless experience for tourists and service providers alike.
• Centralized Tourism Portal: A one-stop destination for tourists to access real-time information and services.

Study of Best Practices for a Holistic Approach

To ensure the plan’s effectiveness, the UT Administration has analyzed the tourism models of states like Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, and Haryana, along with consultations from stakeholders in the hospitality sector, including hotel owners and tourism associations.

Chandigarh’s Major Tourist Attractions

Chandigarh, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Capitol Complex, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Bird Park, and the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre, sees a significant number of visitors annually. The city attracts over 30,000 foreign tourists and 12 lakh domestic tourists each year. The new tourism plan aims to increase these numbers by addressing common logistical and service-related challenges that tourists often face.

Real-Time Data Integration for Hotel and Tourism Services

As part of the new plan, the Tourism Department will introduce a dedicated online portal for hotel owners. This portal will allow hotels to upload real-time data on tourist check-ins, improving the accuracy and efficiency of tourism-related services. Each hotel will be provided with a unique ID and password to ensure smooth integration of data. Additionally, a toll-free helpline will be established to address tourist grievances.

Deployment of Tourist Police for Enhanced Visitor Support

One of the standout features of the tourism plan is the introduction of Tourist Police. 30 specially trained police personnel will be deployed at key tourist destinations across the city. These officers will wear distinctive white uniforms with blue “Tourist Police” badges and provide safety and assistance to visitors. They will undergo training at the Institute of Hotel Management in Sector 42, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve tourists.

Streamlined Film Shooting and Guided Tours

In addition to the above measures, the Chandigarh Administration will streamline the approval process for film shootings by implementing a single-window system. More licensed tourist guides will also be recruited, with fixed rates published transparently on the official tourism website.

Collaboration for Tourism Growth

The UT Administration plans to enhance interstate cooperation through trade fairs, exhibitions, and tourism events, further strengthening the city’s tourism infrastructure. A senior official from the Tourism Department mentioned, “This plan represents an integrated approach that not only improves facilities but also elevates Chandigarh’s image as a tourist-friendly city.”

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The new tourism initiative is expected to boost Chandigarh’s economy by attracting more visitors and fostering better tourism infrastructure. The administration aims to enhance the city’s reputation as a sought-after destination, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for tourism-related businesses in the region.