ADB approves USD 162 million loan to support Himachal tourism

ADB, Senior Project Officer, Vivek Vishal, says the project will enhance the state's tourism potential by upgrading and preserving heritage and cultural sites, establishing new facilities, and strengthening the tourism sector

PTI

New Delhi, Updated At : 05:08 PM Oct 03, 2024 IST

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday approved a USD 162 million loan to support tourism development projects in Himachal Pradesh.

ADB, Senior Project Officer, Vivek Vishal, said the project would enhance the state's tourism potential by upgrading and preserving heritage and cultural sites, establishing new facilities, and strengthening the tourism sector.

The ADB has approved a USD 162 million loan to support sustainable and inclusive tourism development projects in Himachal Pradesh.

The Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Projects in Himachal Pradesh will promote heritage and cultural centres in the districts of Mandi and Hamirpur, restore the Naggar Castle in Kullu, beautify public spaces and modern tourist facilities, construct convention centre and facilities in Kangra, and improve wayside amenities in Kullu, Hamirpur, and Kangra.

These improvements will incorporate green solutions such as solar lighting and electric vehicles and will cater to the needs of the elderly, women, children and persons with disabilities.

"In addition, the project will develop wellness centres, tourist recreation facilities, adventure sports centre and water park complex, and biking trails. These new establishments and facilities will provide employment opportunities to the communities and boost the local economy," the ADB said.

The ADB will help strengthen the institutional capacity of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board to develop a tourism strategy and marketing plan. The project will strengthen district-level tourism management so they can develop strategic destination development plans and improve tourist destination management.