World Tourism Day: One-min video out to woo tourists in Himachal Pradesh, package announced

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 27

The state government launched a one-minute video, giving a glimpse of the natural beauty, unexplored destinations and the rich culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh, to mark World Tourism Day today.

The idea was to create awareness about the scenic areas in the state, eco-tourism, national parks, flora and fauna, besides promoting outdoor adventure activities like paragliding and handloom and handicraft, said Amit Kashyap, director of Tourism and Civil Aviation-cum-Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).

With over 2,000 village deities, there is immense scope for pilgrim tourism and the HPTDC, which has the best properties in the state, has started special packages for tourists. At present, the HPTDC is running 53 hotels, 15 cafeterias and way side amenities, he stated.

“As the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, has become an international tourist destination, we have started special tours (Manali – Atal Tunnel, Rohtang – Sissu- Jispa – Keylong) for tourists. Contact HPTDC and your travel, accommodation, food would be our responsibility,” Kashyap said.

Modernisation of properties to meet today’s demands, introducing Himachali Thali with four local dishes at HPTDC destinations and promoting prime accommodations as wedding destinations were some of the steps taken to attract tourists.

Addressing the employees at a hotel today, Kashyap said with the best properties and capability to perform better, the corporation should be in profit by the next World Tourism Day.