Chandigarh, September 2 – In a significant step towards showcasing Haryana’s diverse tourism offerings to travellers from across India and abroad, Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma on Wednesday inaugurated the Haryana Tourism Department’s Tourist Information and Facilitation Centre (TIFC) at the arrival terminal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali. Equipped with digital and interactive features, including the AI-based ‘Saraswati’ app, the centre will provide tourists with information and assistance to explore Haryana’s heritage, culture, spirituality, nature and rural life.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arvind Sharma said the centre is not merely an information facility but a new platform to connect tourists from India and abroad with Haryana’s culture, heritage, spirituality, natural attractions and rural life. He said, “Come Explore Haryana... Let the Changing State Tell Its Own Story” will be the message of Haryana Tourism.

Tourists arriving at Mohali Airport will be provided information about Haryana’s major tourist and heritage destinations, tourism circuits, hotels and resorts, fairs and events, besides assistance with bookings. Digital and interactive technology will be used to acquaint visitors with the State’s diverse tourism offerings.

*AI-Based ‘Saraswati’ App to Provide Instant Information on Tourist Destinations*

Among the key features of the TIFC is the AI-based ‘Saraswati’ app. The app will help provide tourists with instant and interactive information about Haryana’s tourist destinations, historical and religious heritage, culture, fairs, events and tourism facilities.

Tourists will be able to use the app to explore destinations according to their interests as well as plan their visit to Haryana. The initiative marks an important step towards integrating modern technology with Haryana Tourism and providing visitors with an enhanced tourism experience.

Dr Arvind Sharma said that in line with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of integrating the country’s culture, heritage and tourism with the mainstream of development, Haryana, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, is developing its tourism potential in a planned manner.

He said Haryana’s identity is no longer confined to agriculture, industry and sports. The Gita heritage of Kurukshetra, the art of Surajkund, the heritage of Pinjore, the hills of Morni, the spiritual significance of Dhosi Hill and the culture of its villages offer immense tourism potential to the State.

*Plans to Develop Surajkund as a Year-Round Cultural Hub*

Dr Arvind Sharma said more than 700 participants from 53 countries took part in the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela held in 2026. Work is now underway to explore the year-round use of the Surajkund Mela premises for weddings, cultural and other events, besides the possibility of organising additional fairs between September and December.

He said the government aims to develop Surajkund as Haryana’s ‘Global Cultural Showcase’.

*Focus on Adventure and Religious Tourism*

The Tourism Minister said efforts have been made to develop destinations such as Tikkar Taal, Tilyar Lake and Hathnikund Barrage for adventure tourism. Activities such as water sports, boating, banana boat rides, jet skiing and camping are being promoted.

He said preparations are underway for a ropeway project at Dhosi Hill, while possibilities for a ropeway at Adi Badri are also being explored.

Referring to tourism development in Kurukshetra, Dr Arvind Sharma said the Mahabharata Experience Centre has been developed at Jyotisar at a cost of Rs. 205.58 crore, while a light and sound show has been developed at Virat Swaroop at a cost of Rs. 13.63 crore. The objective is to provide tourists with an immersive experience of the Mahabharata heritage through modern technology.

*Tourism Benefits to Reach Villages*

The Cabinet Minister said the government intends to link tourism with the rural economy and employment. So far, 11 homestays and 38 farm tourism sites have been registered with Haryana Tourism, while the registration process has also been simplified. He said, Our aim is that when tourists come, the villages should also benefit economically.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said tourism growth will provide a boost to hotels, restaurants, taxis, tourist guides, handicrafts, local cuisine, farm tourism and small businesses, besides creating new employment opportunities. The initiative to develop Yadavindra Gardens at Pinjore as a heritage wedding destination is also part of this approach.

He said Haryana Tourism’s new official website was launched in January 2025 and online booking facilities have been made available. Properties of the Tourism Corporation have also been listed on major online travel platforms.

Dr Arvind Sharma said the TIFC may be small in size, but its objective is much larger, i.e. to take Haryana’s story to the country and the world. The government is working towards developing Haryana as a tourism destination where visitors do not merely pass through, but stay, explore the State and feel inspired to return time and again.

Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited, Sh. Parth Gupta, CEO, Airport Authority, Sh. Yogesh Kumar, CISF Commandant, Sh. Santosh Suman, Protocol Officer, Sh. Ajit Ji, Private Secretary, Sh. Sunil Lakra, and other officers and dignitaries were present on the occasion.

No.IPRDH/2026 

Himani