Centre sharpens focus on sustainable, inclusive tourism development in state

Tourism in Kullu and Manali and across Himachal Pradesh continues to gain strategic importance as the Central Government has sharpened its focus on sustainable and inclusive tourism development. The Union Ministry of Tourism has reiterated that while the development of tourist destinations is primarily the responsibility of state governments and union territory administrations, the Central Government plays a catalytic role through targeted financial assistance and policy support.

Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s most visited hill states, has directly benefited from the Union Ministry’s flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD). Under Swadesh Darshan 1.0, the Central Government had sanctioned Rs 17.265 crore in 2022 for the integrated development of the Kiarighat-Shimla-Hatkoti-Manali-Kangra-Dharamsala-Bir-Palampur-Chamba circuit, including the creation of convention centre infrastructure. This intervention is particularly significant for destinations like Kullu and Manali, which are seeking to diversify beyond seasonal leisure tourism and expand into meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

The emphasis on convention centres and associated infrastructure reflects a broader strategy to strengthen year-round tourism. By creating facilities capable of hosting conferences and corporate events, hill destinations such as Manali can reduce overdependence on peak summer and snowfall seasons. The Union Ministry of Tourism examines project proposals in accordance with the prescribed guidelines and extends financial assistance subject to compliance and fund availability, ensuring structured development rather than ad hoc expansion.

Sustainability remains central to the tourism framework. The ministry actively promotes stakeholder participation and community engagement, encouraging local people to become partners in tourism growth. In ecologically-sensitive regions like the Kullu valley, this approach is critical for balancing economic gains with environmental conservation. States and union territories are also mandated to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of completed projects. Where feasible, public-private partnerships (PPP) are explored to guarantee financial viability and professional management of tourism assets.

Connectivity is another pillar supporting tourism growth in Himachal Pradesh. The Ministry of Tourism has been working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), sharing the viability gap funding for identified tourism routes. Improved air connectivity to key and emerging destinations enhances accessibility to Kullu and Manali and other high-potential locations in the state.

Collectively, these measures position Himachal Pradesh as a model for sustainable, inclusive and infrastructure-driven tourism growth in India.