Amritsar: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in its continuous effort to assist enterprises to gain competitive advantage, organised a Soft Skills Training Programme for the sensitization of stakeholders towards tourism on Thursday, 21st February, 2008 at Amritsar, wherein representatives from various sectors of the tourism industry participated.

Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Amritsar, and Mr. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar, along with their other senior colleagues from Government of India were present at the workshop.

At the outset of the programme, Mr. Gunbir Singh, Chairman, CII Amritsar Zonal Council, welcomed Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, MP, Amritsar and Mr. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, SSP, Amritsar to this valuable session. He also introduced the speaker for the session, Mr. Vishal Kalia, Chief Trainer from Chandigarh. He stated that Amritsar was a Gateway to India from the North. He also mentioned that the International Airport was expanding in a big way with many more flights added to boost tourism in the city. He also mentioned that three destinations that have sold themselves well are Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan and Amritsar also has immense potential to become another major tourist destination.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu said that the programme was a commendable initiative taken by CII for the promotion of tourism industry since one lakh tourists visit Amritsar daily and that Amritsar has been continuously developing as a big tourist destination. He further stated that he would take every step to improve roads and other infrastructure in the city.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh also stated that the launch of Tourism Police in Amritsar was a step taken with a view to provide better service to the tourists coming to this holy city of Amritsar. He thanked CII for conducting such a workshop.

During the programme, Mr. Vishal Kalia shared his views on various issues with regard to the tourism industry. The presentation focussed on various aspects of the hotel and tourism industry including sanitation, cleanliness, food service, energy saving methods, general hygiene and sensitization of stakeholders towards tourism. The session addressed issues and cleared all doubts & queries stakeholders had with tourism like communication problems with foreign tourists and others.

Around 250 participants from diverse sectors, including tourism police, hoteliers, restaurateurs, dhabawalas, cab drivers, rickshawwalas, coolies and others attended the session.

The session ended with closing remarks by Chairman, CII Amritsar Zonal Council.