PATNA, May 27 -- In a novel initiative to boost domestic tourism and tap into the state's rich but under-explored heritage, the Bihar government has directed all its employees to undertake mandatory family trips to tourist destinations every three months, said an officer on Tuesday.. The order, issued by the general administrative department (GAD) on Monday, requires employees to travel with their families for two days and two nights to tourist, eco-tourism or rural tourism sites in districts other than their home district. These outings are to be scheduled over Fridays and Saturdays, treating the period as official duty while keeping it strictly separate from work. Employees must visit and stay overnight in at least three tourist spots. Upon return, they are required to submit a detailed report to the district magistrate or their respective departments, including photographs, descriptions of the places visited, their personal experiences and concrete suggestions for improving facilities and infrastructure. The GAD letter issued by additional chief secretary B Rajendra emphasises the state's vast potential. "Bihar is rich in cultural diversity, environmental heritage and historically significant tourist destinations. There are several sites that can emerge as major national and international tourism hubs," it noted. Encouraging officials and their families to experience these places firsthand, the administration hopes, will generate practical feedback to strengthen tourism-related infrastructure. Senior officials said the move aimed at creating economic activity in local areas by increasing footfalls, while giving visitors a chance to enjoy authentic cultural experiences, local cuisine and personalised hospitality. Nodal officers will be appointed in district magistrates' offices, divisional commissioners' offices and state departments to compile the reports and forward them to the departments of tourism,environment, forest and climate change and art and culture. Importantly, the directive makes it clear that these are not working trips. Officials have been specifically barred from holding review meetings or conducting official inspections during the family visits. The initiative comes at a time when the state is looking to position itself more strongly on the tourism map, leveraging its Buddhist circuits, ancient historical sites, riverine landscapes and vibrant rural traditions. Whether the bureaucratic families' regular travels will indeed help uncover and develop lesser-known destinations remains to be seen, but the government clearly sees value in putting its own employees on the ground as both observers and participants. For now, Bihar's officials have new marching orders: Pack the bags every quarter, explore the state with family in tow, and come back with ideas that could help turn potential into reality....