‘Digix Chamba Tales’ initiative launched on World Tourism Day

The Chamba Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Not On Map and the Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), organisations promoting sustainable tourism and supported by the district, celebrated World Tourism Day by launching an initiative called ‘Digix (Digital Experience) Chamba Tales’.

The initiative will allow tourists to access detailed information about the historic sites of Chamba through QR codes. By scanning these codes, visitors can receive both written and audio descriptions of the respective sites, enhancing their travel experience.

Speaking at the launch event, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal said the step aimed to provide tourists with comprehensive knowledge of Chamba’s historic landmarks through easily accessible QR codes. This is part of a broader effort to digitise Chamba’s historical monuments, with initial efforts focused on the famous Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple, for which a QR code had already been issued. Once scanned, the QR code offers detailed historical insights in Hindi and English, available through both text and audio tours.

The QR codes will be available on the Book My Experience website, enabling tourists to gain deeper knowledge about the sites, including their historical significance.

Digitally Popularising historical monuments

• The step is part of a broader effort to digitise Chamba's historical monuments, with initial efforts focused on famous Shri Laxmi Narayan Temple, for which a QR code had already been issued. Once scanned, the QR code offers detailed historical insights in Hindi and English, available through both text and audio tours

The DC also highlighted the importance of the Not On Map’s QR code initiative, describing it as a vital step towards promoting tourism in Chamba. District Tourism Officer Rajeev Mishra said the initiative was a unique collaboration between local organisations and the administration, designed to create a more engaging and informative experience for tourists.

Manuj Sharma, co-founder of the Not On Map, said the launch of the QR code-based information marked the beginning of a new era for Chamba tourism, where tourists would have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips, allowing them to read or listen to the rich history of the sites they visit.

In addition to the launch, individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting tourism in Chamba district were also felicitated on the occasion. Among the honoured was Prakash Dhami, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions over the past 40 years. Paragliding pilot Akshay, who has won medals in national and international competitions, was also acknowledged. The Mystic Village, a community-based Gaddi tribal village operated by the Gabdika Self-Help Group, was honoured for its role in promoting tribal tourism. It had previously been awarded by Outlook magazine.

Students from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) presented a project centred on Chamba’s traditional handicrafts on the occasion. Aditonally, a project focused on art in Kundi village was also presented following a discussion with stakeholders, including paragliding operators, hotel associations and homestay owners to shape the future of tourism in Chamba. The meeting also explored ways to bring lesser-known destinations into the tourism spotlight.