ITDC ready with night bazaar plan

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) 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 officials next week," said ITDC Chairman and Managing Director Amitabh Kant.

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

Asked about various aspects being looked into to make the idea 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 8 pm to 8 am, 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.

"The minute we say discos will be part of night bazaars, people start looking at it in a different manner. But I want to clarify that though discos can be part of these bazaars, they are not going to be the focus. The markets will be more of a fun place, which will provide tourists, both foreign and domestic, a unique opportunity to shop, eat and get entertained," Choudhary had said.

The concept of "night bazaars" has also been supported by Union Minister and member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk Kapil Sibal who has expressed his desire for lighting famous monuments in the Capital to attract tourists and provide them with an opportunity to shop near tourists spots.

"There are many famous monuments in the Capital, specially in Chandni Chowk - Lahori Gate, Turkman Gate and Ajmeri Gate to name a few. These can be lit-up and a tourist can have a unique experience," Sibal said.

"My ministry is ready to help the states and the central government to develop this concept," the science and technology minister said.