World over, Punjab is known as the land of five rivers, the cradle of Indus valley civilization and prosperity. The State is home to many prominent historical and religious sites. The State is the fastest growing state in tourism with 24.25 Mn Domestic and foreign tourists in 2014. The tourism sector is an important source of creation of income, employment and regional development. It can act as a key economic driver to boost the economy of the state.

Key features of sectoral strategy under Industrial and Business Development Policy 2017 to realize tourism potential in state:

Amritsar: Establishment of hotel city and tourism facilities etc.
The State Government has adopted measures for developing Amritsar city as a Tourist Hub. New attractions in Amritsar are Heritage Street, Entrance Plaza and Interpretation Centre at Golden Temple, Partition Museum, Sadda Pind, War Memorial, Ram Tirath Complex & Fort Gobindgarh, Amritsar and with this, it has now become a three-day destination unlike the past when it was a day’s trip. Amritsar is also known as City of Hotels with lots of cuisine and flavours, but it requires expansion to manage and accommodate more tourist influx to the city. Private sector will be encouraged to participate towards creation of accommodation facilities. Government will bridge the infra gap around the destinations in the city.

Developing Patiala as Heritage City
Patiala being a princely State known as City of Palaces, Parks and Polo, has a number of heritage buildings: Qila Mubarak, Sheesh Mahal, Medal Gallery, Bahadurgarh Fort, Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctury, Old Moti Bagh Palace, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran, Qila Mubarak, Nabha, Bir Bhadson, Wildlife Sanctury, Hira Mahal, Darbar hall (Museum), Mughal Sarai for showcasing. The State plans to develop Patiala and the areas around Sirhind-Patiala-Nabha-Sangrur as heritage zone/arch like earlier followed initiatives to develop Amritsar to Kapurthala. Old architecture will be conserved in the identified areas. The State will frame regulations for demarcation of zones. The State will develop infrastructure around these destinations. Private sector will be encouraged for investing and promoting the heritage properties under PPP mode.

Conversion of Heritage Properties
There are several private heritage properties like havelis /palaces/forts etc. The State Government shall encourage conversion of these properties into Hotels/ Museums/ Libraries/ Clubs/ Theme Parks/ Convention Halls etc.

Green Hotels
Units classified as Green Hotels will to be given extra incentives in addition to the benefits admissible to normal units.

Separate Policy
The State would also bring a separate detailed policy for promotion of tourism sector.

Licenses and Clearances
Tourism projects require various licenses and clearances like lodging house license, eating house license, Police permissions, license under the Shops& Establishment Act, and license under the Food & Drug Admin. Act etc. These licenses have to be renewed every year. The process for renewal would be simplified and made online.