UP gears up to attract tourism during Common Wealth Games

Uttar Pradesh Government is preparing itself in a big way to showcase the rich historical and cultural traditions of the state with special highlight on Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri during the fortnight long Commonwealth Games 2010 to be held in New Delhi
from October 3.

On the lines of Taj Mahotsav, the state Government will organise a mega international cultural fest in Agra during the games where the traditional values of Braj would be highlighted along with a focus on the other important religious and cultural traditions of the state.

'' UP Government is already doing the ground work to invite of world class artistes at that time who will enthral the foreign tourists who visit Taj,''said UP director general tourism Avneesh Awasthi said here today.

Talking to UNI, Mr Awasthi, who is personally monitoring the programmes and the development works in Agra-Mathura- Fatepur Sikri region to attract the foreign tourists coming to the country during Commonwealth Games, said the cultural programmes would be a bonanza with the participation of national and international artistes.

Refusing to divulge details about the participating artistes, he said it was still five months away. So most of the invitees were yet to confirm their participation. We are also trying to rope in all the artistes who would perform in the Games in Delhi,'' he said adding that the programme would be similar like the annual Taj Mahotsav. Expecting about 1,00,000 tourists in Delhi during the Games, a majority travelling to visit Taj and Jaipur, the UP tourism has also started sprucing up the with facilities financial aid from the Centre as well as from the state government. ''Private investors are already constructing several hotels in Agra, Mathura and Fatehpur Sikri while way-side ammenities are being developed on the 180 km road between New Delhi-Mathura- Agra-Fatehpur Sikri,'' he added.

Meanwhile, the Centre has sanctioned 10 battery operated buses and 10 golf carts for Taj to ferry foreign tourists during their visits.