French aid sought for developing tourism in Puducherry

Puducherry Government today sought the assistance and cooperation of the French Government for promoting tourism and developing heritage sites in the union territory.
In a letter submitted to visiting French Ambassador to India Francois Richier, Welfare and Tourism Minister P Rajavelu wanted France to strengthen international cooperation in various aspects of tourism activities in Puducherry, a former French colony.
The government sought French assistance and also technical expertise for development of heritage sites and buildings and pitched for joint marketing and promotion of tourism related activities in France and India.
The letter noted that Puducherry being an important destination with its fascinating blend of Indo-French culture, history, heritage, and spirituality, tourism here had emerged as a 'key driver of economy'.

It said a mechanism be evolved to bring talented personnel from France to Puducherry to preserve century old cultural relations.