Think about Himachal Pradesh and the snow-capped mountains of Manali, apple orchards of Kalpa, toy train of Shimla, rich Tibetian culture of Mcleodganj and the untouched beauty of the Spiti Valley comes to mind. Himachal Pradesh is one Northern state that would have definitely made it to every honeymooner’s list. So it doesn’t come as a surprise when we hear the news that Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector will be receiving ₹16,000 crore investment. Yes! You heard that right the government has signed investment proposals worth ₹16,000 crores for the purpose of enhancing and exploiting tourism potential in the hilly state.
What’s In It?
A government official has stated that tourism is the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy so the government is laying special impetus on strengthening the state’s tourism industry. 225 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹16,000 crore has been signed for the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh during the Global Investors Meet. Furthermore, work on around 15% of projects has also been started. The government official also informed that a pathbreaking ceremony of 81 projects with an investment of a whopping ₹3322 crore in the tourism sector was developed on completion of the two years tenure of the state government.
The official also the light on how the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh is being developed not only keeping tourists in mind but also in providing employment to local residents. Around 2000 homestays and 3600 hostels have been registered in the state. In the previous year, 476 homestays were registered. Around 500 homestay owners from Shimla, Manali, Solan, Kinnaur and Dharamshala were even provided training at the Institute of Hotel Management. As a means to provide employment to the unemployed youth, the state government provided training to 939 individuals in various tourism industries like the taxi driver, porter trekking, tourism guide by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Institute Manali, Mountaineering Center Bharmaur, HPTDC, HIMCON and Nature and Life Association. to develop the virgin lands of Himachal Pradesh, ₹ 50 crores has also been given under the Nai Rahein Nai Manzilein scheme.
What’s More?
In the first phase of the Nai Rahein Nai Manzilein scheme, development of Chanshal of District Shimla, Bir-Billing of District Kangra, Janjheli of District Mandi and water sport activities in Pong and Largi areas will be done. There will also be ropeway arrangements made as a form of alternative transportation. The Dharamshala- Mcleodganj ropeway will be completed by 2020. There will also be focus on establishing airports of international standards to attract high-end tourists in the state. Check out the state’s first-ever Microbrewery in the video below.
Proposal to develop an international level airport at Nagchala in District Mandi is in the pipeline. A suitable land too has been identified for this purpose. Helicopter services have been provided in 2019 connecting Chandigarh-Shimla-Kullu and Chandigarh-Shimla-Dharamshala since May 2019. Well, we can’t wait to witness the tourism wonders in Himachal Pradesh this year. So time to make those winter plans already! Did you know that India Is Building World’s Longest Mountain Tunnel, Atal Rohtang In Himachal Pradesh?