The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a major push towards eco-tourism, with plans to develop 50 new eco-tourism sites across the state in the financial year 2026–27. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made this announcement while presenting the state budget, highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable development and tourism growth.
Himachal Pradesh is already known for its natural beauty, including snow-covered mountains, dense forests, rivers, and wildlife. With this new plan, the government aims to promote tourism in a way that protects the environment while also creating employment opportunities for local people.
The chief minister said that the state has already taken several steps to promote eco-tourism in a planned manner. During the financial year 2025–26, eco-tourism projects were developed at 17 locations. The success of these projects has encouraged the government to expand its efforts further.
Eco-tourism is different from traditional tourism because it focuses on preserving nature and supporting local communities. Instead of large-scale construction, eco-tourism promotes activities like nature walks, wildlife observation, and cultural experiences. This approach helps reduce environmental damage while still attracting visitors.
The Himachal Pradesh government introduced its eco-tourism policy in 2024 to guide the development of such projects. Under this policy, eco-tourism sites are being developed in different forest circles across the state. Special eco-tourism committees have been formed to manage these projects and ensure that they follow environmental guidelines.
One of the key goals of this initiative is to involve local communities. The government is training local youth to work as nature guides, hospitality staff, and support workers. This not only creates jobs but also helps preserve local traditions and knowledge.
Officials believe that eco-tourism can play a major role in boosting the state’s economy. At the same time, it ensures that natural resources are used responsibly. By promoting eco-friendly travel, the government hopes to attract tourists who are interested in nature and sustainability.
Tourism has already been a strong sector for Himachal Pradesh. In 2025, the state recorded around 3.11 crore tourist visits, showing its growing popularity among travellers. With the addition of new eco-tourism sites, this number is expected to increase further in the coming years.
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Along with eco-tourism, the government has also announced plans to improve tourism infrastructure. One of the major projects is the development of Kangra Aerocity near Kangra Airport. This new city is expected to offer world-class facilities to tourists and improve connectivity in the region.
The expansion of Kangra Airport is also underway. The government has started acquiring land for the project and has approved a rehabilitation and resettlement plan worth ₹3,349 crore. So far, around ₹2,000 crore has already been distributed to affected people.
The aim of this project is to make travel to Himachal Pradesh easier and more convenient. Better connectivity is expected to attract more domestic and international tourists, which will further boost the local economy.
Another important initiative is the creation of a tourism-focused land bank. Under this plan, land owned by the tourism department will be identified, mapped, and made available for investment. This will allow the development of hotels, resorts, homestays, adventure tourism facilities, ropeways, and convention centres.
The government has also introduced a special scheme to support women in the tourism sector. Under the “HP Women’s Tourism Fund,” women will receive financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakh to start small businesses like homestays, food stalls, or handicraft shops. In addition, self-help groups will be given low-interest loans, and women entrepreneurs can receive grants of up to ₹10 lakh.
This initiative aims to encourage women to become financially independent and actively participate in the tourism industry. It also ensures that the benefits of tourism development reach different sections of society.
In conclusion, the Himachal Pradesh government’s plan to develop 50 new eco-tourism sites reflects a balanced approach to growth and sustainability. By focusing on nature-friendly tourism, local employment, and improved infrastructure, the state aims to strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination.
The combination of eco-tourism projects, infrastructure development, and community involvement is expected to create long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy. As these plans move forward, Himachal Pradesh could become a model for sustainable tourism in India.
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