Raipur: Chhattisgarh is steadily emerging as a new destination on India’s tourism map, with the state government pushing tourism-led growth, hospitality investments, and infrastructure expansion to unlock its untapped potential, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said.

Chairing a high-level meeting at his residence office to review tourism promotion, hospitality investments, and expansion of visitor facilities, Sai said the state was committed to presenting Chhattisgarh’s “real beauty, cultural richness and natural diversity” to national and global audiences. Representatives of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), senior government officials, and tourism stakeholders attended the meeting.

Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s diverse tourism potential, Sai said the state’s rivers, waterfalls, forests, hills, tribal traditions, and rich cultural heritage provide it with a unique identity that can position it as an attractive tourism destination.

Chhattisgarh, rich in natural beauty and culture, aims to showcase its heritage and emerge as a leading tourism destination, said CM Sai. Granting tourism industry status has boosted hospitality investments, enhancing accommodation, transport, and modern facilities. The state is attracting steady investment, with IHCL planning over Rs 500 crore in the hospitality sector, strengthening tourism infrastructure and creating employment for local youth.

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary highlighted the investor-friendly environment, streamlined approvals, and transparent processes. Industry Department officials told investors that tourism’s new industry status has accelerated high-end infrastructure development, supported by policy incentives. The state’s framework offers additional benefits for projects exceeding Rs 500 crore or generating over 1,000 jobs. These initiatives collectively aim to boost tourism growth, investment, and local economic opportunities.

Senior officials including Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Neelu Sharma, CS Vikas Sheel, PS to CM, Subodh Kumar Singh, Finance Secretary Dr Rohit Yadav, Investment Commissioner Ritu Sen, Secretary to CM,  Rahul Bhagat, Industry Secretary Rajat Kumar, Tourism Secretary Dr S. Bharathidasan were present at the meeting.