The Himachal Pradesh government is all set to prepare a 20-year prospective tourism master plan for the state. The government has already invited technical bids for hiring a consultant and has shortlisted a few firms for carrying out the task.
Speaking at the recent mega mart on tourism in Shimla, chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the state is focusing on attracting high-end tourists. Recently, the state has also identified a short route to Kailash Mansrovar from Kinnaur and has requested the external affairs ministry to take up the matter with the Chinese government.
Dhumal said in order to promote tourism in rural areas, to provide lodging facilities in remote areas and to generate employment opportunities, the state government has introduced a home stay scheme. Under this scheme, the water and electricity charges would be applicable on domestic basis and no tax would be charged from entrepreneurs. He said the government had also formulated ropeway guidelines and offered three ropeways on public-private partnership.
Chief secretary Asha Swaroop added that Unesco has come up with a package for the Shimla-Kalka railway line. She said the efforts were afoot to expand various rail links and connectivity in the state.
As per data provided by the tourism department, the state received 90 lakhs tourists in 2008, with an average growth rate of 10-12%. The state also has its share of foreign tourists, which was about 4 lakh last year, but with a higher annual growth rate of 11%. The tourism sector contributes around 8.5% to the total GDP of the state.
