Games venues can now hold future extravaganzas, says Selja

NEW DELHI - The world-class facilities in Delhi courtesy the Commonwealth Games hold out promise of hosting “sporting and entertainment extravaganzas” and attracting a large number of tourists, union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said Thursday.

“Delhi has been for some time one of the major convention destinations of the world. Now with the addition of world class facilities that have emerged during the Games, the range of events that can be organised in Delhi has moved beyond traditional meetings and conventions to sporting and entertainment extravaganzas,” said Selja.

Speaking at the inaugurating of International Hospitality Fair here, she said the tourism industry is based on certain core nationalistic ideals and standards.

“The ‘atithi devo bhava’ (Guest is like God) campaign being run by the ministry aims at creating awareness about the effects of tourism and sensitising people about preservation of rich heritage and culture, cleanliness and warm hospitality of India. It also instills a sense of responsibility towards tourists and reinforces the confidence of foreign tourists towards India as a preferred holiday destination.”

The tourism ministry is actively encouraging the hospitality sector to meet the highest international standards in terms of facilities and services, so as to compete with the best in the world.

Various infrastructure related projects, including construction of 11 Games venues, were completed for the CWG.