DW BUREAU / Patiala

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday inaugurated 'Ran Baas', the state's first luxury palace hotel, at Qila Mubarak here and said the initiative will encourage destination wedding tourism in the state. According to an official statement, the aesthetically designed hotel has been built under public-private partnership model and will set a new benchmark in comfort and hospitality.

Mann said that Ran Baas, earlier a guesthouse located in 18th-century Qila Mubarak complex in the erstwhile royal state of Patiala, has been restored as Punjab's first luxury palace hotel, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary luxury. The hotel will be a favourite place for destination weddings and other events, Mann was quoted as saying in the statement.

The hotel will give a big boost to the tourism sector in the state in general and the 'royal' city of Patiala in particular, he said, adding it is a reflection of the glorious cultural heritage of the state.

The Chief Minister expressed the state government'+ char(39) +'s unwavering commitment to making Punjab a leading tourist destination in the country through such projects. He said that day one after assuming charge of office it is his dream to showcase hidden aspects of vibrant and blessed Punjab to people across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from day one his government is working tirelessly to enhance the income of the state exchequer adding that this is a step in this direction only.

The Chief Minister said that geographically Punjab is blessed land adding that the state government intends to take the tourism sector to a new zenith. He said that areas around Chohal Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam and Kandi areas of the state are being developed as ideal tourist destinations for attracting the tourists from across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is a huge potential for developing these areas as a tourist destination for which all out efforts are being made.

He said that the state government has land even in other states like Goa, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mcleodganj (Himachal Pradesh) and others which will be developed in coming days.

He said that earlier the previous state governments used to sell the prime properties of the state to their close friends but now a reverse trend is being witnessed as the state government is developing these sites. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power adding that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at '+ char(39) +'throw away'+ char(39) +' prices.

The Chief Minister said that this is the first heritage hotel of the state adding that more such projects will be developed in the state by optimally utilizing the historic buildings of the state. He said that Punjab has a lot of scenic beauty in the state which can be duly utilized by the film industry and others adding that the state government is working tirelessly on this mission. He said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for giving major fillip to the tourism sector in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will construct a heritage street at the native village of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh to showcase the glorious contribution of Punjab and Punjabis in the national freedom struggle. He said that this 850 metre long heritage street will be constructed from the existing Museum to the ancestral house at Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this street will showcase the glorious contribution of the state in the national freedom struggle thereby inspiring the youth to work zealously for the country.

The CM said that anyone has the right to form political parties in the state and the country but it is upto people to decide its fate. He said that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance.

He said that Ran Baas offers 35 suites, a range of dining and wellness amenities and curated immersive experiences for the modern travelers. He said that the palace and the larger fort, boasts of an enduring, eclectic legacy steeped in royal culture from the celebratory traditions of Patiala to the architectural character of the palace itself.

The Chief Minister said that this hotel has lent its own layer to this rich history, bringing experiences and services to the tourists. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the majestic fort is a key landmark in India'+ char(39) +'s history and a remarkable example of the synthesis between late Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. He expressed his appreciation for the remarkable addition to Punjab'+ char(39) +'s hospitality landscape, recognizing its potential to position Patiala as a tourist destination.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this prestigious project will drive tourism, create opportunities for local businesses and showcasing Patiala'+ char(39) +'s rich cultural identity and heritage to attract global travellers, contributing to the region'+ char(39) +'s economic growth.

(editor@dailyworld.in)