Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a major tourism makeover as CM Sukhu unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming the hill state into a globally admired tourist destination.
Addressing a gathering hosted by the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association on Sunday evening, the Chief Minister said the state government is aggressively investing in tourism infrastructure, connectivity and hospitality to attract visitors from across the world.
“Tourists should not just visit Himachal for a weekend, but stay here for over a week and experience the true beauty, culture and diversity of the state,” he said while outlining the government’s vision for sustainable and high-value tourism.
In a significant push towards premium tourism, the government is expanding heliport facilities across the state. Helicopter services from Palampur, Hamirpur, Dharamshala and Chamba are likely to begin by June this year, while services from Reckong Peo have already started to strengthen border tourism and improve accessibility to remote regions.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to improve air connectivity in Shimla through larger helicopter operations and said new locations are being explored for upgraded aviation infrastructure. He added that ropeways and tunnel projects are being prioritised to make travel smoother and faster across mountainous regions.
Giving special emphasis to Kangra, which has been declared the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh, he said land acquisition for the ambitious expansion of Kangra Airport is nearing completion. The project is expected to significantly enhance tourist inflow and regional development.
Among the major announcements was a Rs. 500 crore international convention centre at Tapovan in Dharamshala with a capacity of 5,000 people, aimed at boosting conference and event tourism. An international-standard zoo worth over Rs. 600 crore is also set to come up in Kangra district.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the government’s focus on spiritual tourism, stating that Rs. 300 crore will be invested this year for the development of prominent religious destinations including Naina Devi, Jwala Ji and Chintpurni temples.
Shimla too is witnessing a major facelift. From underground utility systems and road widening projects to a proposed Rs. 900 crore tunnel connecting Talland to IGMC, the government is focusing on easing congestion while preserving the historic charm of the capital city.
The state is also investing nearly Rs. 3,000 crore in hotels, wellness centres, adventure tourism and modern tourist amenities. A scenic riverfront project in Manali and the identification of new tourism destinations are also part of the larger strategy to diversify tourism experiences in Himachal Pradesh.
Calling tourism the backbone of Himachal’s future economy, the Chief Minister invited private investors and hospitality entrepreneurs to partner with the government, assuring full support for projects that contribute to the state’s tourism growth story.
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