SHIMLA,4.1.2026-Tourism is a pillar of the state's thriving economy and further strengthening of this sector will provide support to the economy and open new aspects of employment and self-employment, guiding and pacing Himachal to become self-reliant state as envisioned by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Himachal's rich cultural heritage, warm and welcoming approach of its people and rich tradition makes tourism a key driver of state's development. Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, the state government has taken pioneering steps to establish Himachal as a preferred destination for all kind of tourism activities in all seasons, especially for nature lovers and explorers, cultural and religious devotees, and adventure enthusiasts. As a result of dedicated efforts of state government, the picturesque valleys of the State are bustling with domestic and foreign tourists.

The positive outcomes of the government’s policies aimed at promoting tourism and providing better facilities to visitors are clearly visible. Up to November 2025, a total of 1,15,32,535 tourists visited Himachal Pradesh, including 1,14,54,137 domestic and 78,398 foreign tourists. Of the total number of tourists, 4,76,435 tourists visited Bilaspur, 5,70,309 visited Chamba, 2,70,778 visited Hamirpur, 7,31,559 visited Kangra, 3,73,012 visited Kinnaur, 23,38,755 visited Kullu, 4,57,813 Lahaul-Spiti, 7,18,085 visited Mandi, 20,22,081 visited Shimla, 10,55,054 visited Sirmaur, 21,63,798 visited Solan and 3,54,856 tourists visited Una.

The State Government is giving a new dimension to various aspects of tourism. While Himachal is already renowned for religious tourism, focused efforts are being made to develop it as a major hub of adventure tourism. Luxury and adventure tourism are being promoted in the state’s reservoirs. In this direction, facilities such as cruise, shikaras, houseboats, jet-ski and water scooters have been introduced for the first time in Gobindsagar Lake.

The government has decided to develop a 30-kilometre-long cruise route from Harnoda in Bilaspur district to Tattapani, bordering Mandi and Shimla Districts. International-level competitions are being organised in the State, giving new momentum to adventure tourism. The Asian Rafting Championship-2023 was successfully organised on the Beas River at Nadaun in Hamirpur district, while the Asian Rafting Championship-2024 was held on the Sutlej River in Shimla district.

Bir-Billing in Kangra district is considered a paradise for paragliders from across the world. The Accuracy Paragliding Pre-World Cup was organised here in 2023. Paragliding possibilities are also being explored in other parts of the State and in this series, the Paragliding World Cup-2024 was organised at Junga in Shimla district.

Keeping in view the immense potential of eco-tourism, a new Eco-Tourism Policy has been implemented in the State. The primary objective of this policy is to create employment and self-employment opportunities for youth at the grassroots level.

Under an innovative initiative of the Chief Minister, border tourism has been started from Shipki-La and as a result, the tourist influx has increased over three times. More than 7,400 tourists have already visited the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh near the China border. In order to develop Himachal as an astro-tourism destination, the State Government has launched a star-gazing facility at Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti.

The government has declared Kangra district as the tourism capital of the State. To increase tourist influx, the expansion process of Kangra airport is underway. The government has released land acquisition compensation amounting to Rs. 595.92 crore, out of which Rs. 460 crore has already been distributed to beneficiaries. Construction of heliports at all district headquarters is also in progress. The Durgesh Aranya Wildlife Park, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 619 crore at Bankhandi in Dehra sub-division of District Kangra, will emerge as a major attraction for tourists and local residents alike.

The State Government’s schemes are opening new avenues of self-employment for youth in the tourism sector. Under the Chief Minister Tourism Start-up Scheme, financial assistance will be provided in the form of interest subsidy on loans for setting up new tourism units and on expansion of existing home-stay units. Youth will receive interest subsidy of up to 3 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural areas and 5 percent in tribal areas.

Under the visionary leadership of Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh is moving steadily on the path of inclusive development by leveraging its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and vast potential.