ITDC plans night bazaars to boost tourism

India Tourism Development Corporation will make a presentation before the government early next week for setting up "night bazaars" in the national capital, a brain-child of Union Tourism Minister Renuka Choudhary, to attract foreign tourists.

"We will make a presentation before the minister and other top officials next week," ITDC chairman and managing director Amitabh Kant told PTI.

Soon after assuming charge, Choudhary had expressed her keenness to establish "night bazaars" in major cities and rural areas, saying it will provide everything a tourist wants at one place, thereby giving a boost to tourism.

Asked about the various aspects that were being explored to convert the idea into a reality, Kant said, "We are looking at big open spaces along the existing markets, besides having all amenities there; for this we are talking to the Delhi government".

Besides giving an opportunity to shop around, the bazaars, which will be open from 0800 hrs to 2020 hrs, will be an exciting place to eat out and watch performing arts," Choudhary had said. The tourism ministry would also develop allied services like tourism police to support these bazaars, she had said.

The ministry was also not averse to the idea of discos being included as part of these bazaars, the minister had said, adding the bazaars would be run on trial basis for about four months.