Himachal to be made safest tourist destination in world, says RS Bali

New tourism projects will be implemented in coordination with experts from prestigious institutions of the country, including the Central University, so that Himachal Pradesh can create its identity as an excellent tourist destination not only in the country, but at the global level. This was stated by Raghubir Singh Bali, Chairman of Tourism Corporation, while presiding over a programme at CUHP on World Tourism Day today.

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He said the tourism sector was the backbone of the state’s economy and through this thousands of families of the state were directly and indirectly getting livelihood.

Travellers from far and wide come here to enjoy the beautiful views and the future of the state’s tourism industry looks brighter than ever, he added.

According to Bali, Himachal has emerged as the safest tourist destination for tourists not only in the country, but from all over the world. RS Bali said tourism information centres would be further strengthened so that tourists could get quick and relevant information through these centres.

Addressing students and faculty of CUHP in a packed auditorium, RS Bali said work was being done on many important schemes to fulfil the Chief Minister’s resolve to make Kangra district a tourism capital.

He said work will soon be started on important projects like wedding resort in Manjha of Palampur, heliport construction, international-level convention centre at Dharamsala, old-age wellness resort and an international level music fountain in Nagrota Bagwan, golf course at Pragpur, Dhauladhar Biodiversity Park in Dharamsala.

He said keeping in view the immense possibilities of tourism in Himachal, the state government was making determined efforts to develop adventure, religious and natural tourism infrastructure and an ambitious target has been set to welcome five crore tourists annually in future.

On the occasion, the chief guest also awarded the winners of various competitions organised during the tourism week while the students presented cultural events.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor of Central University Sat Prakash Bansal while welcoming the chief guest said the tourism department of the university would select 10 villages for self-employment in tourism. The youth of the selected villages will be given short-term courses on tourism so that they can start self-employment in tourism in their respective areas.