Lucknow, Nov 05: To mark the completion of 500 years of the 'City of the Taj' - Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government will celebrate 2004 as the 'International Year of the Taj'. "During the year long celebrations which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, the state will showcase its heritage and culture to international tourists with a view to boost tourism in a big way," Tourism Minister Naresh Agarwal told reporters here today.
All out efforts will be made to bring the maximum number of tourists to the Taj city during the period which will also pave way for furthering the tourism potential of the state, Agarwal said.
"Help of travel agencies and hotel management will also be taken," he said, adding that for providing better facilities, efforts will be made to get international status for the Agra airport.
To a question, Agarwal said besides the Taj, Buddha circuit, Ganga Mahotsav, Vindhyachal, Avadh, Bundelkhand, wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism were also of interest and could be developed for furthering the tourism industry in the state. Bureau Report