The Punjab government has announced ambitious plans to establish the state as one of India’s premier tourism destinations. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently declared that world-class tourist sites are being developed in the hilly areas adjoining Pathankot, while Amritsar and Mohali are also being equipped with modern tourism facilities. The government claims that in the coming times, Punjab will become a major hub for the tourism industry.
To promote the tourism and entertainment industry, CM Mann has extended an open invitation to industrialists. Under this ambitious plan, preparations are underway to establish a state-of-the-art film city in Punjab, which will become a new destination for Bollywood and the Punjabi film industry. Additionally, an international cricket stadium will be constructed in Amritsar, which will take sports tourism to new heights. This initiative will not only boost the state’s economy but also open new employment opportunities for lakhs of youth.
The land of Punjab, once known only for its fields and gurdwaras, is now emerging in a new avatar on India’s tourism map. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the transformative steps taken by the state government in the tourism sector over the past three years are not only accelerating the state’s economy but also opening new doors of employment. With investments exceeding ₹73 crore in 2024-25, Punjab is now fully prepared to join the race among India’s top tourism states.
The Punjab government’s biggest achievement has been the passage of the “Punjab Tourism and Heritage Authority Act, 2025.” This historic legislation ensures unified oversight of all tourism development plans, investments, and implementation. Through this authority, private investors will receive single-window clearance, while local communities will get direct participation in tourism revenue. This step demonstrates that the government views tourism not merely as a source of revenue but as a medium for socio-economic transformation.
In preserving the legacy of martyrs, the Punjab government’s investment has been unprecedented. The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum at Khatkar Kalan has been equipped with world-class facilities, where the freedom struggle has been brought to life through 3D holograms, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations. Similarly, the Saragarhi Museum in Ferozepur is bringing the heroic tale of 21 Sikh soldiers to international tourists. Jallianwala Bagh, Qila Mubarak (Patiala), and other historical sites have also been modernized, resulting in a significant increase in domestic and foreign tourist numbers.
The Punjab government has set an ambitious goal to develop Pathankot and surrounding hilly areas as the ‘Himalayan Gateway of Punjab.’ Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam are being transformed into adventure tourism hubs, offering facilities such as jet-skiing, kite surfing, zip-lining, and luxury floating resorts. In the Kandi districts (Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot), 15 new trekking routes, jungle safaris, camping sites, and rural homestays have been developed in the Shivalik hills. This initiative is not only attracting adventure sports enthusiasts but also providing employment to local youth as guides, operators, and entrepreneurs.
The introduction of motor paragliding and hot-air balloon rides at Chamrod Port (Amritsar) has put Punjab on the adventure sports map. This is the first large-scale initiative of its kind in India’s plains. Along with this, water sports, rock climbing, cycling tracks, and nature trails are being developed in various parts of the state. The Punjab government has also prioritized trained personnel and safety standards for these activities, providing tourists with world-class experiences.
Punjab has gained national recognition in rural tourism. Nawan Pind Sardaran in Gurdaspur was declared India’s Best Tourism Village 2023, while Hansali Farmstay in Fatehgarh Sahib won a national award in agri-tourism. In these villages, tourists are experiencing traditional Punjabi lifestyle, folk music, desi cuisine, and handicrafts. This initiative has empowered rural women and provided a new market for local products. Now there are plans to develop more than 50 villages as tourism villages.
To give Punjab’s cultural heritage a global platform, the government organized several major events in 2025. The Basant Mela in Ferozepur, Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, and special programs on the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji were organized, attended by lakhs of devotees and tourists. Traditional festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, and Teej are also being included in the tourism calendar and promoted internationally. Regular events featuring Punjabi folk dance, Giddha-Bhangra, Qawwali, and Sufi music are being organized.
To facilitate tourism in the digital age, the Punjab government has launched a new tourism app that provides information on hotel bookings, transport, tour guides, events, and emergency services all on one platform. Online guide systems, AI-based chatbots (in Punjabi, Hindi, English), virtual tours, and aggressive social media promotion are attracting domestic and international tourists. The government has also arranged Wi-Fi, smart toilets, selfie points, and info kiosks at major tourist destinations.
Investment in the tourism sector has had a direct impact on job creation. Thousands of new jobs have been created in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, guide services, and local enterprises. Women’s self-help groups have been connected to the tourism sector through training and financial assistance. Mega projects like the film city and international cricket stadium will create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The Punjab government’s goal is not only to include the state among India’s top tourism states in the next three years but also to establish it as a major destination on the international tourism map. Development, local culture preservation, and community participation are at the core of this policy, leading Punjab toward a responsible and inclusive tourism model.
