Bhopal, May 24: State Tourism Day was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm on the occasion of 30th establishment day of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation here today. Minister of State for Tourism Tukojirao Puar was chief guest while MPSTDC Chairman Dhruv Narayan Singh presided over the function.

Those present as special guests included corporation's deputy chairman Janakram Advani, Miss Tourism World Priyanka Shah and president of Indian Association of Tour Operators Vijay Thakur. Secretary Tourism Iqbal Singh Bains and corporation managing director Ashwini Lohani were also present.

To mark the occasion, a car rally titled 'Identity of Heritage' was taken out. State level tourism prizes were distributed and mobile phone audio guide about Jabalpur, Gwalior and Indore was released. Famous writer Hugh Gantzer's book 'Discovering Madhya Pradesh', Eicher Guidebook on Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Jabalpur and a film 'Spiritual Madhya Pradesh' were also released. Special cover cancellation on temples of Khajuraho, Sanchi's Stoopas, wall paintings of Bhim Baithka and Railway Coach Restaurant brought out of Department of Post were also released. ISO certificates were given away to MPSTDC units Kipling Court Pench, Highway Treat Dondi and Delhi-based Marketing Office.

Besides, State Tourism Awards were given away to heritage hotels, city hotels, resorts, travel agents, tour operators and guides for excellent work in the field of tourism. Senior porter of Bhopal Railway Station Israr Khan was bestowed the award of Tourist-friendly Guide and a batch was also given away to him.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Tourism Puar said that Madhya Pradesh has set new records in the field of tourism for which officers and employees of the corporation deserve encomiums. However, a long distance is yet to be covered and this is only the beginning. He said that Madhya Pradesh is dotted by numerous places of religious, historic, archaeological importance where hospitality facilities would have to be improved. The Tourism Policy of the state would be amended as per needs of the hour and would be implemented for the next five years, he added.

Corporation Chairman Dhruv Narayan Singh said that unprecedented successes have been achieved by the state during the last four years and its credit goes to corporation's officers and employees as well as active support of all the concerning departments of Madhya Pradesh government. Due to efforts undertaken by all, Madhya Pradesh has become a leading state in the field of tourism.

Indian Association of Tour Operators president Vijay Thakur praised the marketing strategy being adopted for giving a fillip to tourism in the state as well as its quality. He said that Madhya Pradesh has been successful to make its tourism development potential known to the world.

In his welcome address, Secretary Tourism Iqbal Singh Bains said though the Tourism Development Corporation was established 30 years ago but it has achieved so much success during the last four years that it should be known as a four-years-old instead of 30-years-old institution. Madhya Pradesh's tourism potential is unparalleled and beyond imagination. He exhorted investors to come forward to tap it fully.

Miss India Tourism Priyanka Shah said that Madhya Pradesh is a very beautiful state and good work is being done here for promoting tourism. She was all praise for Bhopal's beauty and live-heartedness of its residents. Famous tourism writer Hugh Gantzer said that Madhya Pradesh is not the heart of India but the beginning of India. Making special mention of Mahakal of Ujjain and Bhim Bethka in Raisen district, he termed them as unique in the world.

Corporation's executive director GS Chahal conducted the programme and shed light on its activities. Managing director Ashwini Lohani proposed the vote of thanks. Investors, tourism lovers, officers and employees of the corporation and others were present on the occasion in large number.

Car rally

On this occasion, a car rally was taken out to increase awareness about Bhopal's heritage places. The rally was flagged off by Dhruv Narayan Singh from Hotel Jehan Numa Palace. Enthusiastic people along with their family members took part in the car rally.

MoU signed for hospitality education

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and Indian Association of Tour Operators on the occasion of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Day celebrations, here today. The objective of the MoU is to promote education and training regarding hospitality

The Mou was signed by the Tourism Secretary Iqbal Singh Bais and Vijay Thakur, President of Indian Association of Tour Operators. Minister of State for Tourism (independent charge) Tukojirao Puar was present on the occasion.

Later, Puar informed that it would help in conducting various hospitality education courses and training in the state.