Himachal Pradesh has experienced a remarkable surge in tourist number since Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took office. In the first half of 2022, the state welcomed 86.42 lakh tourists, while by the end of June 2024, this number surged to 1,00,87,440, owing to Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque valleys and pleasant climate.
The substantial rise in tourist number is attributed to the successful initiatives and promotions spearheaded by the Sukhu government to boost tourism in the region. “The current state government has taken numerous initiatives to ensure development of robust infrastructure for the tourism industry in the state, as road network and air connectivity is being strengthened. The expansion of Kangra Airport is underway, while heliports are being constructed in every district headquarters of the State to ensure better air connectivity. The construction work on five heliports has already been started and the Sanjauli heliport would be made functional shortly to ensure better air connectivity to Shimla,” said the Chief Minister.
The tourism department’s data reveals that 89 lakh tourists visited the State in the first half of 2018, 99.57 lakh in 2019, 22.04 lakh in 2020, 19.75 lakh in 2021, and 86.42 lakh in 2022. Since the Congress government took office in December 2022, it has prioritized tourism development, recognizing its crucial role in strengthening the state’s economy. New tourist destinations are being developed in Chandratal, Kaza, and Tandi of Lahaul-Spiti, as well as Rackchham, Nako, Chango and Khab of Kinnaur district. Additionally, a Sky Walk Bridge will be constructed in the popular tourist spot Hassan Valley near Kufri. Aiming to attract 5 crore tourists annually, the government is promoting adventure tourism, religious tourism, and rural tourism to offer visitors a memorable experience.
In the 2024-25 budget, the Chief Minster has outlined its vision for a prosperous and ‘self-reliant’ Himachal over the next 10 years, with a key focus on making Himachal Pradesh a premier tourist destination. This vision supports the goal of a prosperous, culturally rich, healthy, capable, strong, and ‘Aatam Nirbhar’ Himachal Pradesh.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said “Kangra district has been declared the ‘Tourism Capital’ of Himachal Pradesh, with substantial infrastructure developments underway to enhance visitor experiences. Additionally, water tourism activities are set to begin at Gobind Sagar reservoir in Bilaspur district and Androuli in Una. In a bid to promote tourism in the Pong Dam area, the government plans to boost hot air ballooning activities, aimed at bolstering the local economy. To cater to the influx of tourists, a decision has been made to allow shops to remain open 24 hours during peak tourism seasons.”
