Himachal Pradesh, the picturesque northern Indian State, has once again emerged as a favored destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. In a remarkable milestone, the number of tourists visiting the State has crossed the one-crore mark in the first six months of 2023, marking the highest footfall in the last six years. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attributed this achievement to the State Government’s relentless efforts in bolstering the tourism infrastructure.
From the outset, the state government has focused on promoting tourism in Himachal, leading to an impressive influx of tourists. As of June 2023, the total number of visitors has reached one crore six thousand, including 99,78,504 domestic tourists and 28,239 foreign tourists. He said that Himachal Pradesh’s attraction as an all-season destination has garnered international attention, attracting travelers from across the globe to experience its enchanting landscapes.
The numbers tell a compelling story of tourism growth, with approximately 87 lakh domestic and 2 lakh foreign tourists visiting in the year 2018, 88.57 lakh domestic and around 2 lakh foreign tourists in 2019, 21.63 lakh domestic and 41,803 foreign tourists in 2020, 19.73 lakh domestic and 2843 foreign tourists in 2021, and 86.35 lakh domestic tourists and 7032 foreign tourists in 2022. Looking ahead, the State Government has set an ambitious target of welcoming five crore tourists annually.
The Chief Minister said that in pursuit of this goal, Himachal Pradesh is actively developing Kangra as the tourism capital of the State, with a proposed investment of Rs. 3000 crore dedicated to this project in the coming times. Improving road and air connectivity remains a priority, with a focus on expanding the Kangra Airport and establishing heliports across all districts, he said. Sukhu said that sustainability is at the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s tourism vision, as the State aims to promote green tourism to ensure a safe and pollution free environment and create direct and indirect employment opportunities for its people.
The tourism sector serves as the backbone of the state’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of families, further underlining the significance of the government’s dedicated efforts, he added. With a renewed commitment to infrastructure development, sustainable practices, and a focus on showcasing its natural bounty, Himachal is treading on the path to becoming an excellent global tourism destination. As travelers from far and wide continue to flock in numbers, the future of Himachal Pradesh’s tourism industry appears brighter than before.
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