Government initiatives ‘resulted in improved tourist footfall’ in Himachal

Shimla, July 28

A little over one crore tourists have visited the state in the first six months this year. The number is more than the tourist footfall in the corresponding period in 2022, when 86.42 lakh tourists visited the state.

Attributing the increase in tourist footfall to the successful initiatives and promotions by the Sukhu government, a government spokesperson says the current government has development robust infrastructure for the tourism industry.

“Road network and air connectivity are being strengthened. The expansion of Kangra Airport is underway, while heliports are being constructed in every district headquarters to ensure better air connectivity. The construction work on five heliports has already started. The Sanjauli heliport would be made functional shortly to ensure better air connectivity to Shimla,” said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The expansion of Kangra Airport is underway, while heliports are being constructed in every district headquarters to ensure better air connectivity. The construction work on five heliports has already started. The Sanjauli heliport would be made functional shortly to ensure better air connectivity to Shimla. —Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister

As per the tourism department’s data, 89 lakh tourists visited the state in the first half of 2018, 99.57 lakh in 2019, 22.04 lakh in 2020, 19.75 lakh in 2021, and 86.42 lakh in 2022. “The Congress government has prioritized tourism development, recognizing its crucial role in strengthening the state’s economy. New tourist destinations are being developed in Chandratal, Kaza and Tandi of Lahaul-Spiti as well as Rackchham, Nako, Chango and Khab of Kinnaur district. Additionally, a Sky Walk Bridge will be constructed in the popular tourist spot Hassan Valley near Kufri,” said the spokesperson.

Aiming to attract nearly five crore tourists annually in the hill state, the government is promoting adventure tourism, religious tourism, and rural tourism to offer visitors a memorable experience.

In the 2024-25 Budget, the Chief Minster has outlined its vision for a prosperous and ‘self-reliant’ Himachal over the next 10 years, with a key focus on making the state a premier tourist destination. According to the spokesperson, Kangra district has been declared the Tourism Capital of the state through substantial infrastructure developments.

Additionally, water tourism activities are set to begin at Gobind Sagar reservoir in Bilaspur district and Androuli in Una. In a bid to promote tourism in the Pong Dam area, the government plans to boost hot air ballooning activities, aimed at bolstering the local economy.