The Himachal Pradesh government has launched an ambitious eco-tourism drive aimed at balancing nature conservation with economic growth. Under the Eco-Tourism Policy 2024, the state is developing 77 eco-tourism sites across forest divisions, projecting Rs. 200 crore in revenue over five years while creating local jobs and protecting biodiversity.
Sites in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Dharamshala, Chamba, and more will offer nature-centric experiences such as trekking, forest camping, homestays, and jungle walks. Operators have already been selected for seven locations including Shoghi, Potter Hill, Solang Nallah, and Kasol, with phased development ongoing elsewhere.
To improve access, over 100 forest rest houses and campsites are now bookable online via the HPECOSOC portal. A trekking management system is in place with 245 marked trails, and a mobile app is underway for better tourist navigation.
Alongside tourism, Himachal is pushing large-scale forest restoration under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, involving mahila mandals, youth groups, and forest committees. With a Rs. 100 crore budget, the state is aiming to plant and maintain saplings on 1,000–1,500 hectares this year, moving toward its goal of 30% forest cover by 2030.
Local youth are being trained as nature guides and multi-purpose workers, with over 200 people already engaged, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusive development and green employment.
Tourism in the state is booming — over 2 lakh visitors arrived in 2024, including 82,000 foreign tourists, marking a 13.24% rise over the previous year. With tourism already contributing 7.78% to the GSDP, the new eco-tourism policy is set to further strengthen Himachal’s economy — sustainably.
In just two and a half years, the government has laid a strong foundation for eco-tourism that protects, preserves, and prospers — setting a national example in climate-conscious development.
