Tourism Policies of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal pradesh home stay scheme,2008
With the aim of providing comfortable Home Stay facilities of standardized world class services to the tourists, and to supplement the availability of accommodation in the rural tourist destinations, State Government introduces Home Stay Facilities on the basis of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India “Incredible India Bed and Breakfast scheme. The basic idea is to provide a clean and affordable place for foreigners and domestic tourists alike including an opportunity for foreign tourists to stay with Himachali families to experience Himachali customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian/Himachali cuisine.
The Home Stay scheme shall have the following objectives:
- Broaden the stake holder’s base for tourism in the State;
- Take tourism to the rural and interior areas of the State;
- Decongest the Urban areas, which cannot support any further tourism load;
- Provide employment and economic values in the interior areas;
- The activity shall be ecologically sustainable.
Tourism Policy-2005
This Policy document aims to provide clear direction for the development of tourism in the State. Himachal Pradesh is already a well-established and recognized tourist destination. It seeks to harness the fullest potential of the State for Development of tourism, which in turn can be a prime engine for economic growth and prosperity of the State, besides effectively addressing the problems of unemployment and poverty. This document is a result of wide range of consultations within and outside the Government, including the industry, tourism unit operators and other stakeholders. Besides outlining the policy, the document also lists out the strategy for implementation, as also specific action plans to implement the policy.
During the year 2004, the tourist arrivals in the state were 6.5 million which is roughly equivalent to the population of the State.( 2.04 lacs were foreigners).In terms of numbers therefore the State has done more than expected. The challenge now is to attract quality tourists and increase the stay of the tourists in the State .We also need to think globally as even the domestic tourists today have a choice unlike in the past. By focussing on quality tourist the State Government also aims at promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging the private sector to develop tourism related infrastructure in the State – without disturbing the existing ecology and environment.
Policy objectives
- To establish Himachal Pradesh as a leading tourist destination in the country and abroad;
- To make tourism a prime engine for economic development and prosperity of the State and as a major means for providing employment;
- To encourage a strong and sustainable private sector participation in creation of tourism infrastructure especially through public private partnerships;
- To promote sustainable tourism, which is not only environmentally compatible but also leads to economic betterment of the rural people;
- To encourage civil societies & non-governmental organizations for promotion & the conducting of tourism related activities;
Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein
There being many hidden gems lying undiscovered by the wandering tribe, the government of Himachal Pradesh has put the spotlight on ‘Nai Raahein Nai Mazilein’, a new initiative to bring attention to new destinations in this Himalayan state. For a start, the destinations of Bir-Billing – a globally famous site on the paragliders circuit in Kangra, Janjehli – a hidden rural charm in Mandi district and Chanshal with its alpine meadows that turn into pristine ski slopes in the winter in Shimla hills, are being developed by putting in place adequate infrastructure for tourist comfort. The allure of a lake in a mountain valley does cast a spell on you. Certainly the back waters of Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam in Kangra and Largi Dam in Kullu do so. Under the new program, the activities of House Boat accommodation, Shikara rides, Camping and water sports are being added to these destinations for engaging the visitor.
Revised policy on development of eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh 2016
Himachal Pradesh, known for its rich natural heritage, is amongst the top tourist destinations in the country, both for national as well as international visitors. Recent estimates, place the number at about 160 lakh visitors –more than twice the State`s population. However, much of the tourism related activity is concentrated in four major locations, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie. A majority of the visitors do not get an opportunity to experience the rich bio-cultural diversity contained in the many Forest areas, Sanctuaries and National Parks that comprise such a large part of Himachal Pradesh.
The Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh framed an Eco-tourism policy during 2005 to enable tourist to experience this national heritage. The policy needed revision mainly due to the procedural requirements of obtaining clearance of Eco-tourism sites under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 as per guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Some changes in the existing policy document have also been necessitated in the context of the evolving understanding of Eco-Tourism concepts and principles.
The Revised Eco-Tourism Policy 2016 aims at bringing the wilderness and virgin ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh closer to visitors and at the same time ensure adequate safeguards and systems for the protection and conservation of these natural resources. By involving local communities, the policy would help in increased livelihood opportunities as well as their involvement in awareness building, protection and conservation. It also envisages generation of financial returns which can be ploughed back into proper up keep and maintenance of the environment. It shall also promote greater understanding and appreciation for natural and cultural heritage.
The ongoing Eco-Tourism projects also need to be re-looked at and reviewed in view of the Central Ministry’s guidelines on Eco-Tourism. It may be necessary to evaluate the on-going projects in order to decide on their further continuation after the culmination of the term of these projects.