Shimla accords rosy reception to tourists

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, tourists arriving in Shimla via the Shimla-Kalka rail route were welcomed with flower garlands.

District Tourism Development Officer Jagdish Sharma said thousands of tourists visited Shimla daily and the welcome ceremony was organised to promote tourism. This year’s theme for World Tourism Day is ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’. “The day aims to promote the importance of tourism globally, highlighting its social, cultural, political and economic value. Tourism boosts local and national economies, creates new job opportunities, and promotes cultural exchange,” he said.

The official said the state government had implemented several schemes to strengthen the tourism industry. The Chief Minister’s Tourism Startup Scheme provides financial relief on loans for establishing new tourism units and upgrading existing home stay units.

Besides, the home stay scheme provides affordable accommodation options for tourists, offering better facilities and encouraging longer stays in rural areas.