Not to be published or broadcast before  18 th  January, 2010

              Himachal Pradesh is a land of gods where silver tiara of snow capped mountains qualifies for the magnificent head gear. The gushing brooks and whispering woods sing the chorus to welcome the visitors thronging the State in large numbers. Tourism is one of the main sources of income and employment generation in the State. Keeping in view this fact, the State Government has accorded top priority for the development of tourism in the state. This is evident from the soaring number of tourists flocking to the State every year. Adventure tourism, religious tourism, heritage tourism, rural tourism or eco- tourism are some of the areas which has got special attention in tourism development. 

Tourism is being given a veritable facelift with the introduction of several schemes by the State Government. To harness the tourism potential of the State, a 20 year master plan is being prepared for integrated development of tourism in the State.  For further strengthening the tourism infrastructure in the State, the State Government plans to spend Rs. 400 crore with the assistance of World Bank. Hotel units of over Rs. 50 crore investments are being granted all clearance under Single Window Clearance scheme. Himachal Pradesh has emerged as 'Best Tourist Destination' and Shimla town the 'Best Mountain Town' in a survey conducted by CNBC Awaaz. 

The State Government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting tourism related activities in the State. Last year, in the month of June, the Tourism Department organized CII conclave and Tourism Mega Mart which was first of its kind. Besides, representatives and organizations from various parts of the country, nations like Pakistan, Brunei and Indonesia also participated in the conclave. In order to take tourism to the nook and corner of the State, efforts are afoot to start Heli- taxi services in the State. 

With a view to provide tourists a glimpse of the rich heritage and culture of the State in natural environs, Home Stay Scheme was launched in the State in the year 2008. Within a short span, the scheme is already a favourite among the tourists. Besides this, the scheme has been instrumental in generating employment opportunities to the rural population. Over 150 Home Stay units have been registered in the State during last two years.
 

To ensure quality education to the students near to their houses and provide professional training in the art of hospitality, a Hotel Management, Catering Technique and Practical Nutrition Institute is being set up in Hamirpur at a cost of Rs 12 crore. Similarly, a Food Craft Institute complex is being set up in Dharamshala at a cost of Rs 4.75 crore.

           There has been a tremendous flow of tourists to the State in last few years. In the year 2008, 9372697 domestic tourists and 376736 foreign tourists visited the State. New places are being developed from tourism point of view by the State Government.The feasibility to establish six new rope-ways namely Kullu-Bijli Mahadev, Shahtalai-Deotsidh, Shri Anandpur Sahib-Shri Naina Devi, Dharamkot-Triund, Palampur-Neogal and Manali- Rohtang is being worked out.

 The State Government is keen on preserving the rich culture and heritage of the historical town of Shimla. In order to enlighten the tourists about the bygone golden epoch of the town, Shimla Heritage Tourism scheme 'Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai' and 'Shimla Ki Kahani Itihas Ki Jubani' is on the cards.

  The State Government is making concerted efforts to make Himachal Pradesh a favourite destination for all reasons and for all seasons. Una-Hamirpur-Bilaspur circuit, Shimla-Theog-Narkanda tourist circuit and off beat tourist circuit is being developed at a cost of Rs. 7.60 crore, Rs. 7.15 crore and Rs. 7.50 crore respectively. Besides, a number of tourist circuits are being developed in the State- Solan tourist circuit at a cost of Rs. 4.20 crore, Hamirpur circuit at a cost of Rs. 6 crore, Naldehra at a cost of Rs. 2.69 crore, Jogindernagar-Bir-Billing at a cost of Rs. 4.28 crore, Chail destination at a cost of Rs. 4.80 crore, Sundernagar tourist destination at a cost of Rs. 4.75 crore, Jubbal-Kotkhai tourist destination at a cost of Rs. 4.05 crore. All these efforts of the State Government would certainly bring about quality transformation in the tourism infrastructure of the State.