Uttarakhand has evolved into an international tourism destination

Uttarakhand has evolved from a religious tourism destination to an international tourism destination. We are developing 13 more tourism destinations, providing air connectivity to about half a dozen locations under Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, which will be operational from October this year. The State is also working towards developing 27 more hill-stations, said Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. He was speaking at the mini-conclave at Bhimtal in Nainital held to highlight the investment opportunities in the state and seek active participation for the ‘Destination Uttarakhand-Investors Summit 2018’.

The CM said, “We have also established the required eco-system for film shooting in the State, for which Uttarakhand was awarded a special mention certificate for film friendly environment by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Including Tourism and Film shooting, we have identified 12 focus sectors, which will enable us in becoming an industrially developed economy. Destination Uttarakhand is our initiative to provide a platform for various international and domestic investors to come and invest in Uttarakhand, creating vast employment opportunities across all sectors.”

Bhimtal MLA Ram Singh Kaira said, “We are taking concrete steps to make Uttarakhand the preferred destination for film-shooting. We have also introduced single window clearance procedures, making acquiring permissions from concerned officials a very easy process.

 Bhimtal is a spectacular town blessed with natural beauty. It provides a stunning view of Bhimtal Lake with an island at the centre of it. We welcome State’s initiative to put Bhimtal/Nainital on international tourism map in order to attract not only national but international film producers and tourists as well.”

Film director and producer Vivek Agnihotri said, “Uttarakhand is one of the major film shooting destinations with immense growth potential. We are keen to assist Uttarakhand in branding itself as a preferred destination for film shooting, domestically and globally. We have had great experience while shooting in Uttarakhand and want to share the same experience with our industry by working with the Government of Uttarakhand.”

Vikramjit Roy, head of Film Facilitation Office, National Film Development Corporation, Government of India, also shared his views on the occasion. He said, “Introducing incentives to attract domestic and international filmmakers, along with improving film shooting infrastructure will boost film shooting sector in Uttarakhand. It will not only improve the local economy but will also provide employment opportunities across the State of Uttarakhand.”

It should be mentioned here that the Industries Department had organised the mini conclave focused on themes of film shooting and tourism in Bhimtal city of Nainital district, in the run-up to the ‘Destination Uttarakhand-Investors Summit’ scheduled for the first week of October, 2018.  Industries principal secretary Manisha Panwar, Tourism and Information secretary Dilip Jawalkary and commissioner of industries Sowjanya were also among those present on the occasion.