Himachal to Develop 77 Eco-Tourism Sites, Eyes ₹200 Crore Revenue in Five Years
Shimla, June 1:
In a major move to position Himachal Pradesh as a premier global eco-tourism destination, the state government has launched an ambitious initiative under the newly introduced Eco-Tourism Policy 2024. As part of this plan, 77 eco-tourism sites will be developed across various forest divisions, with a projected revenue target of ₹200 crore over the next five years.
Spearheaded by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the initiative not only focuses on environmental conservation but also aims to generate sustainable livelihoods for local youth and foster green economic growth in the state.
Phase-Wise Development Across Key Regions
Known for its pristine natural beauty, Himachal will see phased eco-tourism development in regions such as Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Dalhousie, Palampur, Dharamshala, and Nalagarh. Eco-tourism operators have already been selected for key sites like Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, as well as Solang Nala and Kasol in Kullu.
These sites will offer nature-friendly activities including trekking, birdwatching, forest camping, nature walks, and homestays, with strong involvement from local communities. So far, more than 70 nature guides and 135 multipurpose workers have been trained to support these efforts.
Tech-Driven Tourism & Sustainable Growth
To enhance accessibility, the government has launched an e-booking platform enabling online reservations for over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites. Additionally, 245+ trekking routes have been mapped and categorized by difficulty, and a dedicated mobile app is currently under development to streamline visitor experience.
In 2024, Himachal welcomed 18.12 million tourists, including 82,000 international visitors—a 13.24% increase from the previous year. With tourism contributing 7.78% to the state’s GDP, the new eco-tourism policy marks a strategic push toward environmentally responsible and economically impactful tourism.
This initiative reflects the state’s broader vision of blending conservation with inclusive growth, making Himachal a model for green tourism in the country.
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