Bihar Hosts Investment Meet in Delhi to Boost Tourism

New Delhi: An investment meet and roadshow aimed at promoting Bihar tourism took place on Friday in New Delhi. Held at the Ashoka Hotel in Chanakyapuri, the event kicked off at 10:30 am, drawing key players from the tourism industry.

Addressing the attendees, state tourism minister, Nitish Mishra, highlighted Bihar’s rich heritage and ongoing developmental projects. “Bihar is ripe for investment,” he stated, encouraging potential investors to seize the opportunity.

“The government will support you every step of the way. We are hosting investment sessions and roadshows nationwide, with the next event scheduled in Kolkata next month. Coming from Mithila, I assure you of our renowned hospitality,” the minister said.

The event noted successful investments from prominent groups such as Taj, Hyatt, and Sarovar, emphasizing the various facilities and direct subsidies available to new investors.

Bihar Tourism Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh addressed Delhi-based tourism professionals, including businessmen, travel agents, tour operators, and hoteliers. He provided detailed information about the schemes, programs, and policies implemented by the Bihar Tourism Department. Singh underscored the significant policy and infrastructure advancements across all tourism circuits in Bihar, highlighting the subsidies and other facilities available to the tourism industry. “Positive results are evident, and we are continually improving,” he said.

Bihar’s Resident Commissioner, Kundan Kumar, pointed out the vast opportunities created by Bihar’s new industry policy, which has significantly boosted industrial investment. He mentioned that over Rs 50,000 crore in MoUs were signed at the Bihar Business Connect 2023, driving investments in both tourism and general industrial activities. “As both Resident Commissioner and Investment Commissioner, I am available to address any investor concerns,” he assured.

Nand Kishore, Managing Director of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), presented the tourism policy details. He explained that tour operators and hoteliers from other states need only establish an office in Bihar and register for GST to benefit from grants up to Rs 25 crore for projects such as hotels, theme restaurants, parks, meditation centers, golf courses, and rural villages.

In his vote of thanks, director, tourism, Vinay Kumar Rai shared that 82.1 million domestic and international tourists visited Bihar in 2023. “We aim to further increase this figure,” he declared.

The program also featured a PowerPoint presentation on Bihar’s new tourism policy and the updated status of tourist facility development. Additionally, a question-and-answer session was held, where the Tourism Secretary addressed stakeholders’ queries.

The vote of thanks was concluded by Abhijeet Kumar, GM of the BSTDC.