To strengthen tourism and generate self-employment opportunities in Himachal Pradesh, the State Government, led by CM Sukhu, has approved the launch of a new initiative titled ‘Chief Minister Tourism Startup Scheme in Hospitality Industry’. This innovative scheme aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs in establishing and upgrading tourism-related ventures, particularly homestays, across the state.
Under the scheme, the government will provide interest subsidies on loans up to ₹2 crore for a period of three years. The subsidy will be 3% for urban areas, 4% for rural areas, and 5% for tribal regions. This financial assistance is exclusively available to Bonafide Himachalis, ensuring that the benefits reach the local population.
A government spokesperson highlighted that homestays play a pivotal role in attracting tourists by offering affordable, authentic, and immersive experiences in comparison to expensive hotels. They help encourage longer tourist stays, especially in culturally rich and lesser-explored rural areas, ultimately boosting local economies and livelihoods.
The scheme is designed to tap into Himachal’s vast tourism potential while encouraging entrepreneurship among locals. It is expected to open up new self-employment avenues, particularly for youth and small-scale hospitality businesses, thus triggering broader economic activity across the state.
In addition to providing affordable accommodations, homestays promote sustainable tourism by allowing visitors to engage directly with local traditions, food, and daily life. The scheme will also help formalize the homestay economy, encouraging quality standards and the growth of tourism-based startups.
The spokesperson noted that the initiative will give a significant push to urban, rural, and offbeat tourism destinations and reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive, eco-friendly tourism development. With its clean environment, scenic valleys, rivers, forests, and cultural landmarks, Himachal Pradesh remains a top destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Tourism continues to be a major economic driver in the state, contributing 7.78% to the Gross Domestic Product (as per the Economic Survey 2024–25). The new scheme seeks to build on this momentum by involving private entrepreneurs in infrastructure development, without disturbing the state’s fragile ecological balance.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
