Himachal Pradesh continues to strengthen its position as a key destination in India’s tourism landscape, with the state government rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at promoting year-round, sustainable tourism. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, policies focused on improving visitor facilities and expanding tourism opportunities are beginning to show visible results, with an increase in tourist arrivals across the state’s valleys.
Traditionally known for religious tourism, the state is now being actively developed as a center for adventure and experiential tourism. Water-based tourism is being promoted across reservoirs, including Gobind Sagar Lake, where new attractions such as cruises, shikaras, houseboats, jet skis and water scooters have been introduced. Plans are also in place to develop a 30-kilometre cruise route connecting Harnauda in Bilaspur district to Tattapani in Shimla district.
Adventure tourism is receiving further momentum through international sporting events. The Asian Rafting Championship was successfully held on the Beas River in Nadaun (Hamirpur) and the Sutlej River in Shimla district. Bir Billing in Kangra remains a global paragliding hotspot, while additional locations are being explored to expand aerial adventure activities. The Paragliding World Cup was also hosted in Junga, Shimla district, highlighting the state’s growing presence on the global adventure tourism map.
In a major push toward sustainable travel, the state has introduced a new Eco-Tourism Policy aimed at generating employment and self-employment opportunities, particularly for rural youth. Alongside this, border tourism has been launched through Shipki La, and efforts are underway to position Himachal Pradesh as an astro-tourism destination, with a stargazing facility already operational in Kaza, Lahaul-Spiti.
Kangra is being developed as the state’s Tourism Capital, supported by infrastructure expansion including the ongoing development of Kangra Airport and construction of heliports across district headquarters. In Dehra sub-division, the ₹619-crore Durgesh Aranya Wildlife Park is being developed as a major future attraction for both tourists and residents.
To further support entrepreneurship in the sector, the Chief Minister Tourism Start-up Scheme is providing financial assistance and interest subsidies for tourism-related ventures, including homestays, with rates of 3% in urban areas, 4% in rural regions, and 5% in tribal areas.
Urban tourism infrastructure is also being upgraded in Shimla, where a ₹246-crore underground utility duct project is underway. The project aims to modernize civic services, improve city aesthetics, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
The government maintains that these initiatives reflect its broader commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and tourism-driven economy in Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
