‘Chalo Chamba’ campaign shines at Himalayan Orange Tourism Fest
The “Chalo Chamba” campaign, launched by the Chamba district administration in collaboration with Not On Map, an organisation promoting sustainable tourism in the region, gained significant attention at the 6th Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival (HOTF) in Kolkata. The festival, organised by the Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), served as a platform to celebrate the Himalayan region’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty. The campaign, represented by Not On Map, emphasised community-based rural tourism and highlighted Chamba’s historical, religious, and ecological appeal.
The three-day festival drew over 60,000 visitors and featured cultural performances and exhibits from regions such as North Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring Himalayan countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Dignitaries, including West Bengal’s Minister of State for Fire and Emergency Services, Sujit Basu, and consuls from Nepal, Bhutan, and Russia, inaugurated the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange.
The Chalo Chamba stall, showcasing the district’s unique tourist attractions, received widespread appreciation. Visitors were drawn to insights about the region’s pristine locales and sustainable travel experiences. The campaign’s alignment with eco-tourism and agro-tourism trends resonated with attendees, encouraging interest in Chamba’s hidden gems. Raj Basu, known as the “Tourism Gandhi of India,” praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of community-driven tourism in the Himalayan region.
Manuj Sharma, co-founder of Not On Map, highlighted the campaign’s focus on promoting eco-friendly travel practices that benefit local communities while preserving the environment. Future plans include awareness campaigns and rural tourism initiatives aimed at bridging urban-rural divides, fostering mutual benefits for the environment and local populations.
The festival’s success marked a milestone for Chalo Chamba, propelling it into a broader network of sustainable tourism initiatives.
