The Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) in order to promote Rural Tourism, is now roping in private hoteliers and dhaba owners. A’Hotels has become the first group of private hoteliers to join the scheme. Board officials claimed that Mahindra Home will be the next to sign a MoU for promotion of Rural Tourism. 

The board is in the process of training nine dhaba owners selected from all over Punjab. Three of the enterprises being run on the Chandigarh-Delhi highway have already been granted certificates, while the other nine are undergoing training in hygiene, cooking and other aspects and will be issued certificates in the next two weeks.

Razit Bhandari, Manager, Marketing, Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board said, “Punjab is known for its dhabas and they are an integral part of tourism. We are training the dhaba owners and helping them make few changes to attract customers while not losing the charm of the dhaba.”

Hira Singh Gabria, Tourism Minister, Punjab said, “Through Rural Tourism, we want to show people the rich heritage and culture of Punjab. We are not only looking at NRIs or foreigners to come and stay in farmhouses, but are also targeting the urban Punjabis in India who want to acquaint their children with real Punjab.”