In an effort to enhance tourism in Himachal Pradesh, the state government is contemplating the formulation of a new tourism policy aimed at promoting lesser-known destinations within the region. Recently, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, assessed several initiatives with the goal of developing Kangra district into a tourism hub for the state.
These projects encompass the establishment of a roller skating rink in Sakoh, a golf course in Paragpur, a high-end resort in Menjha, a tourism village in Nagrota, and an Aero City in Kangra. The Chief Minister disclosed this information during a recent meeting of the tourism department.
Furthermore, the government intends to create a theme-based satellite village at Naura Khad in Nagrota, within Kangra district.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to enhance the state's connectivity with the rest of the country. "As part of these endeavors, the government is expanding Kangra airport, constructing a greenfield airport in Nagchala, Mandi district, and developing new heliports across the state. Initially, nine heliports are being constructed, namely: Jaskot in Hamirpur district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, Sultanpur in Chamba district, Manali in Kullu district, Jispa, Sissu, and Rangrik in Lahaul-Spiti district, and Sharbo in Kinnaur district. The remaining seven heliports will be built in the second phase," added the Chief Minister.
The Minister also stated that the government aims to increase the tourist influx to Himachal from three to five crore within the next five years. In May 2023, approximately 72 lakh tourists visited Himachal. The Chief Minister emphasized that the tourism department has been directed to devise a mechanism for accurately collecting visitor data.