Dharamsala hoteliers hail tourism-oriented Budget

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Dharamsala has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for the 2025 Budget, which they believe strongly supports tourism. Ashwani Bamba, association president, welcomed the allocation of Rs 3,000 crore for Kangra Airport expansion, Rs 200 crore for a convention centre and Rs 100 crore each for temple development and rural tourism start-ups.

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With the tourist season approaching, association members met the police administration to ensure smooth traffic flow. They emphasised the urgent need for speedy execution of these projects to establish Kangra as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Bamba voiced concerns about basic infrastructure deficiencies in Dharamsala and McLeodganj, despite their global tourism appeal. Issues like road conditions, parking, lighting, and sewage remain unresolved, affecting tourism growth.

A major concern among members was the lack of aggressive marketing by the tourism department. They pointed out that Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala have outpaced Himachal Pradesh in promoting their destinations. Participation in major tourism exhibitions like South Asian Travel and Tourism Exhibition (SATTE) was highlighted as essential for boosting the ailing industry.

Hotelier and tourism expert Bhanu noted that, despite falling tourist footfall and infrastructure challenges, the tourism sector continues to contribute significantly to the state’s economy. He stressed that strong government support is crucial for economic growth and employment generation.