Board meetings of central public sector units (CPSUs) will now not only discuss business plans and strategy but will also come handy to increase footfalls in upcoming and new tourist destinations across the country.

This is because the government has now come out with an expanded list of 30 cities where CPSUs should hold meetings at least once, if not twice a year, to boost tourism.

The updated list includes places as diverse as Ahmedabad, which is India’s first UNESCO World Heritage city, to Chandigarh, Darjeeling, Ranchi, Rishikesh, Imphal, Port Blair, Mahabalipuram and Puducherry.

Similarly, iconic sites that are being developed, such as Kaziranga and Kumarakom, as well as places identified under the PRASAD scheme (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Dri

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ve) like Amaravati, Amritsar, Ajmer and Puri also find a place in the list.

“The Ministry of Tourism has suggested the following 30 destinations, which have potential for tourism sector in the country,” said the Department of Public Enterprises in a recent circular.

It has now asked ministries to advise Central PSUs under them to hold at least one or two board meetings, strategic meets or conferences at one of these 30 destinations every year to further develop tourism in the country.

At the CPSE Conclave in April this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked PSU management to hold meetings at lesser known destinations in the country to promote tourism.

Following this, the DPE had in June this year suggested five such destinations: Ajanta-Ellora (Aurangabad), Bodh Gaya, Hampi, Khajuraho and Mahabalipuram.

“After the initial list was prepared, it was felt it should be more representative of the country and there are many more attractive tourist destinations across States that can benefit from such a directive. The list, which is indicative in nature, was prepared after discussions with the Ministry of Tourism,” said a person familiar with the development.

Officials feel that with over 257 operating CPSUs in the country, the directive could have a significant impact in promoting these tourist destinations.

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