Himachal aims to become a global tourism destination, says RS Bali

The Himachal Pradesh government is working with a long-term vision to turn the state into a major global tourism destination, according to RS Bali. Speaking to the media in Shimla, Bali said that the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness already attract tourists from across the world, and the government now plans to strengthen this further through better infrastructure and new initiatives.

Bali, who is the chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), said that the focus is on improving tourism facilities and creating long-term benefits for the people of the state. He highlighted that the government is taking steps to modernise existing infrastructure and introduce new projects to make Himachal more attractive to both domestic and international visitors.

Growth in tourism and improved performance

Bali said that HPTDC has shown strong growth in recent years despite facing several challenges. The corporation’s turnover has increased significantly, rising from around ₹80 crore to nearly ₹110 crore. This means that HPTDC has crossed the ₹100 crore mark for consecutive years, which is seen as a major achievement.

He explained that this growth has come even when several important hotel properties were closed for renovation and modernisation. According to him, this reflects better management, improved operational efficiency, and the hard work of employees.

Bali credited the staff of HPTDC for their dedication and commitment. He said that their efforts have helped maintain services and attract tourists even during the renovation period. This, he added, shows that the organisation is moving in the right direction.

The chairman also said that upgrading infrastructure is essential to compete with private players in the tourism sector. Many HPTDC properties, including heritage hotels, are being renovated in phases to improve their quality and appeal.

In particular, three major hotels in Manali are currently being upgraded. These projects are being supported with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. The upgrades aim to provide better facilities to tourists and enhance their overall experience.

Bali emphasised that modernisation is necessary to meet the expectations of today’s travellers. With better rooms, improved services, and upgraded amenities, the state hopes to attract more visitors and increase tourism revenue.

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Infrastructure push to boost tourism

Apart from hotel upgrades, the government is also focusing on improving connectivity and infrastructure across the state. One of the most important projects in this regard is the expansion of the Kangra airport.

Bali described the airport expansion as a “game changer” for Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector. The project is being developed with an investment of around ₹2,000 crore and is expected to allow larger aircraft to operate.

Currently, limited airport capacity restricts the number of tourists who can travel directly to the state. Once the expansion is completed, it will significantly improve connectivity and make it easier for tourists to visit Himachal.

Bali said that better air connectivity will lead to a large increase in tourist arrivals. He believes that thousands of additional tourists could visit the state daily once the airport becomes fully operational for larger flights.

This increase in tourist numbers is expected to benefit various sectors, including hotels, transport services, restaurants, and local businesses. It will also create new employment opportunities for people in the region.

The government’s strategy is not just about increasing tourist numbers but also about ensuring sustainable growth. By improving infrastructure and maintaining natural beauty, the state aims to offer a balanced and high-quality tourism experience.

Bali also highlighted the importance of preserving Himachal’s cultural heritage. He said that the state’s traditions, festivals, and local lifestyle are key attractions for visitors. Efforts are being made to promote these aspects while also improving modern facilities.

The vision is to make Himachal Pradesh a destination that offers both natural beauty and world-class amenities. This includes better roads, improved hotels, enhanced connectivity, and a strong focus on cleanliness and safety.

In conclusion, the Himachal Pradesh government is taking several steps to transform the state into a global tourism hub. With rising revenue, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and major projects like the Kangra airport expansion, the state is preparing for long-term growth.

RS Bali expressed confidence that these efforts will not only boost tourism but also improve the overall economy of the state. By combining natural beauty with modern development, Himachal Pradesh aims to strengthen its position as one of the top tourist destinations in India and beyond.