Delhi government to set up 15 hubs to attract tourists

NEW DELHI: To promote Delhi as a tourist-friendly city , Delhi government is looking to develop as many as 15 hubs which will provide food, entertainment and other facilities to both international and domestic visitors.

To be modeled on the lines of high street culture, the hubs will have restaurants, shopping areas, cultural activities, help kiosks, etc. Tourism minister Kapil Mishra told TOI, “We would like to provide tourists the same comfort and ambience they would experience abroad. Delhi has a huge potential to see an increase in tourism and such hubs will help in developing a good name for the city. We hope to start work within a year or so,“ he said.

The government will be involving the private sector in developing these hubs and will start with pilot projects at existing shopping and eating areas like Khan Market, Hauz Khas Village, Old Delhi and banks of the Yamuna. In a letter to the National Restaurant Association of India, Mishra has invited suggestions for development of these hubs.

“The proposal will provide for active participation of the private sector to develop tourism as a major source of employment. Tourists will be able to have a great experience in a safe and friendly environment,“ the letter said.

Riyaaz Amlani, president of NRAI said, “We have had detailed discussion with the minister on how to make Delhi a world-class city . In the next couple of weeks, we will get stakeholders to meet and draw up a plan. We should have an action plan ready in a month..“