Kangra to be developed as the tourism capital of Himachal

Kangra, 26 June 2023 – In a concerted effort to enhance tourism in the state, the government of Himachal Pradesh is contemplating the formulation of a new tourism policy that will focus on promoting lesser-known destinations. Recently, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed various projects aimed at developing the Kangra district as the tourism capital of the state, signaling the government’s commitment to bolstering the tourism sector.

Among the projects under consideration are the establishment of a roller-skating rink in Sakoh, a golf course in Paragpur, a high-end resort in Menjha, a tourism village in Nagrota, and an Aero City in Kangra. The Chief Minister shared this information during a recent meeting of the tourism department, emphasizing the government’s dedication to creating a vibrant and diversified tourism infrastructure.

Furthermore, the government plans to set up a theme-based satellite village at Naura Khad in Nagrota, within the picturesque Kangra district. This initiative aims to offer unique experiences and attractions to visitors, thereby enriching their exploration of Himachal Pradesh.

To improve accessibility and connectivity, the government is actively working on enhancing transportation options. Expansion plans for the Kangra airport, along with the construction of a greenfield airport in Nagchala, Mandi district, and the establishment of new heliports across the state, are in progress. Nine heliports, including Jaskot in Hamirpur district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, Sultanpur in Chamba district, Manali in Kullu district, Jispa, Sissu, and Rangrik in Lahaul-Spiti district, and Sharbo in Kinnaur district, are being constructed in the first phase. Subsequently, seven more heliports will be developed in the second phase.

The Chief Minister expressed the government’s ambitious target of increasing tourist footfall in Himachal Pradesh from three crore to five crore within the next five years. In May 2023 alone, the state welcomed nearly 72 lakh tourists. To facilitate accurate data collection, the tourism department has been directed to devise a mechanism that precisely captures visitor information, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.

With these proactive measures, Himachal Pradesh is poised to unlock its tourism potential, showcasing its lesser-explored gems and reinforcing its status as a coveted travel destination. The state’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity improvement, and data-driven decision-making sets the stage for a thriving tourism industry that offers memorable experiences to visitors from around the globe.