Monday, September 9, 2024 Chandigarh’s tourism gets a boost with plans for cultural hubs, amusement parks, and convention centers, aiming to transform the city into a top destination. In a bid to accelerate tourism and economic growth, the Union Territory administration of Chandigarh has unveiled plans to establish a series of cultural and entertainment hubs across the city. These initiatives include a prominent 11-storey tower in Sector 17, the Nehru Centre for Performing Arts in Sector 34, an Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre in Sector 31, and a large-scale amusement park in Sarangpur.

Once approved by the Union tourism ministry, these ambitious projects will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, bringing together resources from both sectors to enhance the city’s appeal. The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme has already begun its implementation process in Chandigarh, with a consultant engaged by the ministry to ensure a holistic development of the city as a prime tourist destination.

This scheme adopts a destination-centric approach, focusing on creating immersive experiences for visitors. As part of the initial phase, a detailed report has been prepared, positioning Chandigarh as a future hub for entertainment and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) activities. The report emphasizes the role of technology in creating engaging visitor experiences, proposing attractions like theme parks, virtual reality zones, gaming centers, and live.