As directed by the state’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Dharamsala Forest Circle has given a 50 per cent discount in entry fee and tenting fee for Triund and other trekking routes.
It is a step that would go a long way in promoting tourism activities in the area besides providing succor to the registered guides, an official statement mentioned.
A Spokesperson of the Forest Department said today that the Forest Department had reduced the entry fee from INR 200 to INR 100 per head per day. The tenting fee had also been reduced from INR 1100 to INR 550 for pitching two persons inclusive of entry fee.
The spokesperson added that no fee would be charged from registered local guides of the recognised Miscellaneous Adventure Activities Operators who were registered with the Tourism Department under H.P. Misc. Adventure Activities Rules, 2021.
At the 1st edition of IWDC, a roadmap was chalked out to enable capacity in an additional 26 waterways, fit for River Cruise tourism from the operational strength of 8 waterways. Building on the capacity of enhanced circuits, the cruise tourism traffic with night stays will simultaneously be moved up from 5,000 to 1.20 lakh by 2047.
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Himachal Pradesh‘s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, addressed recent speculations surrounding tourism in the state, revealing a significant rise in visitor numbers despite setbacks in the industry. Popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala observed an influx of tourists, countering rumours of traffic jams in Manali and other areas, which Sukhu dismissed as baseless.
Recently, a few concerns fueled by circulating aerial images of congested hill roads, impacted hotel bookings particularly during the festive season in the state. This resulted in a notable decline in hotel occupancy rates in Shimla compared to previous peak seasons, as reported by the local stakeholders. Reports suggest that Shimla recorded the lowest occupancy rate on this New year’s eve in last 40 years.
As images circulated, opinions diverged: some experts labeled it as overtourism, the others attributed the issue to excessive reliance on private vehicles. A responsible hotel chain owner pointed out the alarming congestion in India’s hill destinations, advocating for a Swiss-model public rail system. Similar concerns echoed in Munnar, he recalled where choked roads pointed to the problem of excessive tourist vehicles. According to the him, while the hilly destinations can accommodate more people, the strain lies in managing vehicles, highlighting the pressing need for alternative transportation solutions.On the other end, responding to the challenges, Sukhu assured the public of the government’s efforts to accommodate tourists, emphasising the commitment to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant. In Nov 2023, Chief Minister Sukhu introduced the e-taxi scheme as part of the INR 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi self-employment start-up initiative. Sukhu emphasised its role in curbing air pollution, aiming to transform Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state by March 31, while also creating employment opportunities for youth. Moreover, the state is developing infrastructure, planning to install 17 e-charging stations within two months to support e-vehicle adoption.
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh said that infrastructure is being developed as per the modern-day requirements for the convenience of the visitors. He also informed that there were about 9,000 hotels in Himachal and considering the influx of tourists, the operation of homestays is also being regulated, to attract more tourists in the state.
Sukhu also recalled the government’s efficient response during the disaster caused by floods adding that within a span of 48 hours, essential services were temporarily restored. The successful evacuation of 75,000 tourists and 15,000 vehicles underscored the administration’s effectiveness in crisis management, the CM reiterated.Sukhu was speaking while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 13 projects totaling INR 197.93 crore in Kullu district on January 1. Among these were significant infrastructure ventures, including a double-lane bridge over River Beas at Raison costing INR 9.07 crore, and a steel truss bridge at Nehru Kund (Bahang) completed with INR 6.44 crore, linking the Burwa and Shanag link roads. Additionally, projects like the INR 7.83 crore Eco-Friendly Market in Marhi Tehsil, Manali, and the INR 54 lakh Way Side Amenities at Solangnalla were inaugurated.
Sukhu underscored the transformative impact these initiatives would have on both local residents and tourists, projecting them as pivotal milestones for the Kullu district’s development. Highlighting the state’s economic progress, Sukhu declared a 20 per cent improvement within just one year.
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Himachal Pradesh had witnessed an influx of 30 thousand tourist vehicles in the past couple of days, signaling a promising revival of the tourism industry in the state, informed Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He commended public representatives and officers for their contributions in this task and emphasised the role of tourism revenue in the state’s economy.
The Chief Minister said that the present state government is committed to promote tourism in the state as it has allocated a substantial INR 3 thousand crore budget to the tourism sector, a significant increase from the earlier INR 50 crore. He expressed gratitude for the support received from children, all sections of the society and tourists in the state’s recovery from the disaster.
He said that the state government has granted the permission for all restaurants, dhabas and food shops in the state to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023 to January 5, 2024 to facilitate the people visiting the state.
Chief Minister was speaking during the inauguration of the first-ever ‘Shimla Winter Carnival’. The event started with a cultural parade and the participation of 450 women presenting Mahanati, showcasing the talent of self-help groups and Anganwadi workers. The carnival, running up to January 5, offers local dishes, laser shows and various cultural programs, contributing to the celebration of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.
The envisioned 1.1-kilometer aerial ropeway, boasting an estimated budget of INR 76.50 crore, aims to redefine connectivity and accessibility to the site. Chief Minister Sukhu shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the ropeway’s capacity to ferry 700 passengers per hour in each direction. Beyond enhancing the pilgrim experience, the project is envisioned to generate substantial employment opportunities for the local youth.
The Chief Minister said that the Winter Carnival in Shimla is a historic moment for the city, which will last upto January 5 next year and it aims to boost tourism activities in the state. He recalled how the recent monsoon fury had adversely affected Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector, but due to the efforts of his cabinet colleagues and different departments, the state has recovered from this setback, shared Sukhu. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the exhibition on the Ridge, featuring stalls set up by the District Administration Shimla and various departments.
Cultural programmes including Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district were also presented on the occasion.
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The revered Mata Shree Chintpurni temple is on the cusp of a transformative addition – a passenger ropeway soon to come up will enhance the pilgrim experiences.
The envisioned 1.1-kilometer aerial ropeway, boasting an estimated budget of INR 76.50 crore, aims to redefine connectivity and accessibility to the sacred site. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the ropeway’s capacity to ferry 700 passengers per hour in each direction. Beyond enhancing the pilgrim experience, the project is envisioned to generate substantial employment opportunities for the local youth.
Recently, the Managing Director of M/s Sky Himalayas Ropeways Private Ltd, Amitabh Sharma, was handed a Letter of Award by Ajay Sharma, Director of Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation Ltd. Himachal Pradesh, signaling the initiation of the long-awaited project at the pilgrimage destination.
The Prime Minister emphasised the essence of hospitality among the citizens of Kashi, affirming that participants would carry back a piece of Kashi’s culture, flavors, and cherished memories to Tamil Nadu. He also underscored the growing interest among the youth in ancient traditions, noting the increasing number of pilgrimages by Tamil Nadu’s youth. He also launched the Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train and the multi-language and braille translations of Tamil literary works.
Nestled in district Una, the Chintpurni Temple holds profound historical and spiritual significance, revered as one of the most sacred Shaktipeeths in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised the ropeway’s dual role in alleviating congestion while ensuring safe and seamless transit for devotees.With an eye on prompt execution, the Chief Minister directed the company to adhere to strict timelines, emphasising the significance of timely completion to grant both pilgrims and locals unhindered access to this transformative facility.
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The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday passed the HP Tourism Development and Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeking to amend nine sections of the 2002 Act and making registration of all tourism units, including home stays, mandatory. The Amendment Bill, 2023, was introduced in the assembly by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday.
Under the provisions of the amendment Bill, all the operational units would be required to apply for registration within 30 days but they would not have to pay any fee till the expiry of the existing registration license.
The new units would have to apply for registration and units operating illegally without registration would face action. The registration of the tourism units would have to be done within 90 days after fulfilling all the formalities.
A provision of six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 had been made for the units running without registration under the 2002 Act. The amendment Bill seeks to do away with imprisonment, but the amount of fine would be increased to INR one lakh.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday tabled in the assembly a bill that seeks to make mandatory registration of all tourism units, including home stays. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2023, also seeks to amend nine sections of the original 2002 legislation.
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act enacted in 2002 had not been revised and changes were required as the tourism sector has undergone tremendous changes in terms of scope activities and the number of persons involved in tourism and allied activities. Besides, proliferation of tourism units, several other activities like water sports, adventure sports, home stays and other such units have come under the ambit of tourism. The concerned department is facing the challenge of regulating the tourism sector and other functions like registration of tourism units.
It also seeks decriminalization of offences and imposition of penalties.
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Coming past the effects of devastating floods, Himachal Pradesh is gearing up to amplify its tourism sector. Amidst this endeavour, the state’s officials are placing an emphasis on ensuring road safety—a crucial facet in accommodating the anticipated surge in tourist footfall.
Recognising the pivotal role of safe and efficient road infrastructure in promoting tourism, the Public Works Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, underscored the imperative of exceptional road quality and a top-tier transportation network. Emphasising the significance of pedestrians’ awareness in road safety measures, Singh highlighted the potential of awareness campaigns to play a vital role in achieving this objective.
Speaking at a seminar focused on raising awareness about road safety, organized jointly by the Public Works Department, the Institution of Engineers, and the Transport Department, Singh stressed the need for strict adherence to safety protocols during road construction. He emphasised that ensuring road quality maintenance is equally crucial, acknowledging the various hazards that exist on the roads.
He also emphasised the adoption of engineering techniques geared towards commuter safety. Stressing the importance of collaborative efforts among various departments, he urged the identification and rectification of accident-prone spots, commonly known as black spots. He directed efforts towards public awareness campaigns to highlight the significance of road safety, aiming to collectively reduce the daily occurrences of accidents and mishaps.
Rising to an altitude of 14,000 feet, the Gulmarg Gondola is the flagship attraction of Kashmir tourism and Asia’s highest operating cable car. Overall, about 90 per cent of the 1.2 lakh visitors in February 2023 flocked the Gulmarg ski resort, showcasing the area’s appeal alongside other key attractions. Last year, the figures for J&K stood at 1.88 crore tourists.
Moreover, he accentuated the government’s commitment to integrating safety engineering techniques, advocating for the incorporation of modern tools and Artificial Intelligence into safety planning. He urged officers to prioritise case studies on safety measures and swiftly adopt contemporary techniques.The evolution of road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh has been significant. From 243 kilometers of roads during the state’s formation to connecting every village, the road network now encompasses even the most remote areas, with ongoing efforts to further link the remaining remote corners.
Echoing Singh’s sentiments, Engineer-in-Chief Ajay Gupta highlighted the post-monsoon refurbishments of roads in the state and emphasised the meticulous attention given to safety measures during road construction.
Notably, the tourism surge in Himachal Pradesh has been remarkable, with over one crore tourists, including domestic and foreign visitors, flocking to the state in the first half of 2023. In line with this, the state government is intensifying efforts to also enhance air connectivity by constructing heliports and expanding airports in Shimla, Dharamshala, and Kangra, ensuring easier access to all district headquarters for tourists.
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Himachal Pradesh‘s Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on November 5 said a sum of INR 300 crore will be spent on the promotion of tourism and water activities in Nadaun-Kaswa and its adjoining areas in the district. Agnihotri was in Hamirpur to attend the closing of the three-day Asian Rafting Championship and distribute prizes to winners.
He said the championship will prove to be a milestone in promoting adventure sports and tourism and create a distinct identity for Nadaun on the tourism map, according to a statement.
The deputy chief minister said INR 42 crore would be spent for the construction of hotels, INR 65 crore for a wellness centre, INR 3.50 crore for a heliport and INR 13 crore for wayside amenities.
He said that the facility of “3-D darshan” has also been made available to the devotees. The Sugam Darshan scheme is running successfully through which the Chintpurni temple has received more than INR 1 crore from the devotees. He said that promoting religious tourism is the priority of the state government, and transport corporation buses are being run to religious places for this.
Schemes worth about INR 300 crore have also been sanctioned through the Jal Shakti department for the area, he added. An e-bus depot is also being opened in Nadaun and this area will receive the first consignment of e-buses coming to the state, the deputy chief minister said.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu represents the Nadaun assembly constituency in Hamirpur district.
The Asian Rafting Championship was held in three categories – men’s, women’s and mixed. The 25-kilometre race started from Nadaun and ended at Chambapatna near Dehra in Kangra district.
The Army C team won the men’s marathon and Karnataka bagged the first position in the mixed marathon, while Uttrakhand topped in the women’s category.
As many as 24 teams, including from Nepal, Bhutan and Kazakhstan, took part in the championship flagged off on November 3.
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To boost eco-tourism in the state, the Himachal Pradesh government has identified 11 pristine eco-tourism sites located in forest areas. During a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Eco Tourism Society, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed the need for promoting eco-tourism on a large scale and highlighted ongoing infrastructure development efforts to support this initiative.
The identified sites include Swaar, Saurabh Van Vihar, Neugal Park, and Bir-Billing in the Palampur forest division, as well as Kasol, Kheer Ganga, and Sumarupa in the Parvati forest division.
Additionally, sites like Sojha in Seraj, Narkanda in Kotgarh, Shogi camping site, and Potter Hill camping site, all situated under the Shimla forest division, have been earmarked for development. Each of these eco-tourism destinations will encompass an area of one hectare, ensuring their protection and sustainability. Additionally, a reserve price has been established for these sites to facilitate their development and operation through outsourcing.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Himachal Pradesh has been blessed by nature with unparalleled natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. He stressed that the promotion of eco-tourism in the state would not only enhance tourist footfall but also contribute significantly to the state’s revenue. Moreover, it would lead to the creation of employment and self-employment opportunities for the local population, he added.
In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir received a record 1.88 crore tourists. The current year is set to surpass this achievement, with foreign and domestic arrivals exceeding expectations. Sharing this and more, Secretary of Tourism & Culture, J&K Govt, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, talks to ETTravelWorld about the role of sustainable tourism in U/T, plans to develop 300 new destinations and active involvement of youth.
The government’s commitment to eco-tourism goes beyond the 11 identified sites, Sukhu added, informing that more such eco-tourism sites will be identified and developed in the state to boost tourism, which had taken a major hit during the recent floods. In line with these efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism, the Himachal Pradesh government has also recently approved two eco-tourism projects worth INR 16.67 crore. These projects are slated for development in Hareta Gram Panchayat within the Nadaun block of Hamirpur district and Kamyana Hilltop in the Mashobra block of Shimla district. The implementation of these projects will involve active participation from the Tourism Development Society and Self-Help Groups in these areas.
These initiatives are a collaborative effort between various government departments, including Panchayati Raj, Forest, Tourism, and Rural Development, to ensure the successful execution of these eco-tourism projects.
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To bolster rural tourism and sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has given the green light to two new eco-tourism projects. These projects, worth INR 16.67 crore, are slated to be developed in Hareta Gram Panchayat in the Nadaun block of Hamirpur district and Kamyana Hilltop in the Mashobra block of Shimla district.
To ensure the success of these projects, the Tourism Development Society and Self-Help Groups from the respective areas will actively participate in promoting sustainable eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation. A collaborative effort involving the Panchayati Raj, Forest, Tourism, and Rural Development Departments will be essential to facilitate the execution of these projects.
At Hareta Gram Panchayat, the basic amenities and infrastructure enhancements are in the pipeline. These include the development of grasslands, tree houses for night camping, walking and nature trails, a cafeteria, children’s park, solar-powered lighting facilities, and the cultivation of herbal medicinal plants. This project will cover an area of 1.2 hectares and engage approximately 60 Self-Help Groups.
While domestic tourist arrivals have reached about 8,816,153, and foreign tourist arrivals stand at 278,155, Punjab Tourism is preparing to join the tourism race. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Government of Punjab talks about the response of 1st Tourism Summit and Travel Mart, the series of proposed policies, targeted segments and a lot more.
Meanwhile, at Kamyana Hilltop, the project will create attractions to entice tourists, such as tree-top accommodations, a cafeteria, various landscape zones, a children’s garden, adventure activities, cycling trails, a deodar zone, a cactus garden, and a butterfly garden. These features are designed to draw more visitors to the area and stimulate local economic growth. For this, a total of 24 Self-Help Groups will actively participate in this project.The aim of these projects, as stated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is not just promoting eco-friendly tourism but also simultaneously creating employment opportunities for the local youth. Sukhu emphasised that these initiatives will also leverage technology for wildlife conservation and the preservation of the region’s rich flora and fauna.
Chief Minister Sukhu also emphasised the pivotal role that the tourism sector plays in strengthening the state’s economy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism-related infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism to cater to the evolving needs of tourists.
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