The Himachal Pradesh government has taken pioneering and forward-looking steps to establish the state as a preferred tourism destination in all seasons, strengthening tourism as a key pillar of the state’s economy. These initiatives are creating new avenues of employment and self-employment, guiding Himachal Pradesh towards becoming a self-reliant state, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Himachal Pradesh has long been a favourite among tourists. Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, focused efforts are being made to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, luxury tourism, border tourism and religious tourism, ensuring year-round tourist inflow. As a result, the state’s picturesque valleys are witnessing a steady rise in both domestic and international visitors.
According to official data, 1,15,32,535 tourists visited Himachal Pradesh up to November 2025, including 1,14,54,137 domestic and 78,398 foreign tourists. District-wise figures show strong tourist footfall across the state, with major destinations including Kullu (23.38 lakh), Shimla (20.22 lakh), Solan (21.63 lakh) and Sirmaur (10.55 lakh), reflecting balanced tourism growth.
Adventure, Luxury and Water Tourism Get a Boost
While Himachal is globally known for religious tourism, the government is now positioning the state as a major adventure tourism hub. Luxury and adventure tourism activities have been introduced in reservoirs, with facilities such as cruises, shikaras, houseboats, jet-skis and water scooters launched for the first time at Gobindsagar Lake.
A 30-kilometre cruise route from Harnoda (Bilaspur) to Tattapani (Mandi–Shimla border) is also being developed. International adventure events have further enhanced Himachal’s global profile, including the Asian Rafting Championships on the Beas and Sutlej rivers, and major paragliding events at Bir-Billing and Junga.
Eco, Border and Astro Tourism Initiatives
Recognising the vast potential of nature-based tourism, the state has implemented a new Eco-Tourism Policy aimed at generating employment opportunities for youth at the grassroots level. In a unique initiative, border tourism has been launched from Shipki-La, resulting in a threefold increase in tourist arrivals, with over 7,400 tourists visiting border areas near China.
To diversify tourism offerings further, astro-tourism has been introduced with a star-gazing facility at Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti, attracting astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Kangra Declared Tourism Capital
The government has declared Kangra district as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. Expansion of Kangra Airport is underway, with ₹595.92 crore released for land acquisition, of which ₹460 crore has already been disbursed. Construction of heliports at all district headquarters is also in progress.
Additionally, the Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park at Bankhandi in Kangra district, being developed at a cost of ₹619 crore, is set to become a major attraction for tourists and local residents.
Self-Employment Through Tourism
To promote entrepreneurship, the government has launched the Chief Minister Tourism Start-up Scheme, providing interest subsidies on loans for new tourism units and expansion of home-stays. Youth will receive interest subsidy of up to 3 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural areas, and 5 percent in tribal areas, opening new doors of self-employment.
Under the visionary leadership of CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards inclusive and sustainable development by leveraging its natural resources, cultural wealth and immense tourism potential.
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