Rs.148 cr allotted for Pondy tourism development : Kishan Reddy

Puducherry, Dec 13 (UNI) The Centre has allocated Rs.148 crore for the development of tourism in Puducherry under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism & North East Development G.Kishan Reddy said today.
“Puducherry is a spiritual destination. As spiritual tourism excels, there is scope for developing health tourism and educational investments”, he said after inaugurating four projects for the development of traditional tourism, beach tourism and spiritual tourism under the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme, organized by the Puducherry Tourism Department.
The Union Minister inaugurated the renovated and electrified Aayi Mandapam, Blue Flag certified Eden Beach, Thirukanchi Arulmiku Gangai Varaha Natheeswarar Temple with facilities for devotees and riverside footpath and Tirunallaru Spiritual Park. He also unveiled the promotional logo of Puducherry Business Festival 2022-23.
Urging the Territorial Government to create new job opportunities through hospitality industry and service, Kishan Reddy said “we are making the world realise that India is the ideal country to visit all 365 days a year. Tourism contributes to economic development,” he added.The tourism industry plays an important role in GDP and foreign exchange earnings. When an establishment with an investment of Rs 10 lakh is started in the tourism industry, 80 people will get employment. That is why the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is paying extra attention to the development of tourism, the Minister said. In her address, Puducherry Lt.Governor Dr.Tamilisai Soundararajan said Puducherry will soon become the best Puducherry with thesupport of the central government. Chief Minister N.Rangasamy, in his speech, said private participation in tourism development is important. The state government would provide necessary.
assistance to private investors. He requested the central government to ease investment made in the tourism sector in the Union Territory.