Tourism Policies of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal pradesh home stay scheme,2008

With the aim of providing comfortable Home Stay facilities of standardized world class Services to the tourists, and to supplement the availability of accommodation in the rural tourist destinations, State Government introduces Home Stay Facilities on the basis of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India “Incredible India Bed and Breakfast scheme. The basic idea is to provide a clean and affordable place for foreigners and domestic tourists alike including an opportunity for foreign tourists to stay with Himachali families to experience Himachali customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian/Himachali cuisine.

The Home Stay scheme shall have the following objectives:

Broaden the stake holder’s base for tourism in the State;
Take tourism to the rural and interior areas of the State;
Decongest the Urban areas, which cannot support any further tourism load;
Provide EMPLOYMENT and economic values in the interior areas;
The activity shall be ecologically sustainable.

Tourism Policy-2005

This Policy document aims to provide clear direction for the development of tourism in the State. Himachal Pradesh is already a well-established and recognized tourist destination. It seeks to harness the fullest potential of the State for Development of tourism, which in turn can be a prime engine for economic Growth and prosperity of the State, besides effectively addressing the problems of Unemployment and POVERTY. This document is a result of wide range of consultations within and outside the Government, including the Industry, tourism unit operators and other stakeholders. Besides outlining the policy, the document also lists out the strategy for implementation, as also specific action plans to implement the policy.

During the year 2004, the tourist arrivals in the state were 6.5 million which is roughly equivalent to the Population of the State.( 2.04 lacs were foreigners).In terms of numbers therefore the State has done more than expected. The challenge now is to attract quality tourists and increase the stay of the tourists in the State .We also need to think globally as even the domestic tourists today have a choice unlike in the past. By focussing on quality tourist the State Government also aims at promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging the private sector to develop tourism related Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE in the State – without disturbing the existing ECOLOGY and Environment.

Policy objectives

To establish Himachal Pradesh as a leading tourist destination in the country and abroad;
To make tourism a prime engine for Economic Development and prosperity of the State and as a major means for providing employment;
To encourage a strong and sustainable private sector participation in creation of tourism infrastructure especially through public private partnerships;
To promote sustainable tourism, which is not only environmentally compatible but also leads to economic betterment of the rural people;
To encourage civil societies & non-governmental organizations for promotion & the conducting of tourism related activities;

Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein

There being many hidden gems lying undiscovered by the wandering tribe, the government of Himachal Pradesh has put the spotlight on ‘Nai Raahein Nai Mazilein’, a new initiative to bring attention to new destinations in this Himalayan state. For a start, the destinations of Bir-Billing – a globally famous site on the paragliders circuit in Kangra, Janjehli – a hidden rural charm in Mandi district and Chanshal with its alpine meadows that turn into pristine ski slopes in the winter in Shimla hills, are being developed by putting in place adequate infrastructure for tourist comfort. The allure of a lake in a mountain valley does cast a spell on you. Certainly the back waters of Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam in Kangra and Largi Dam in Kullu do so. Under the new program, the activities of House Boat accommodation, Shikara rides, Camping and water Sports are being added to these destinations for engaging the visitor.

Revised policy on development of eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh 2016

Himachal Pradesh, known for its rich natural heritage, is amongst the top tourist destinations in the country, both for national as well as international visitors. Recent estimates, place the number at about 160 lakh visitors –more than twice the State`s population. However, much of the tourism related activity is concentrated in four major locations, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie. A majority of the visitors do not get an opportunity to experience the rich bio-cultural diversity contained in the many Forest areas, Sanctuaries and National Parks that comprise such a large part of Himachal Pradesh.

The Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh framed an Eco-tourism policy during 2005 to enable tourist to experience this national heritage. The policy needed revision mainly due to the procedural requirements of obtaining clearance of Eco-tourism sites under Forest conservation Act, 1980 as per guidelines of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Some changes in the existing policy document have also been necessitated in the context of the evolving understanding of Eco-Tourism concepts and principles.

The Revised Eco-Tourism Policy 2016 aims at bringing the wilderness and virgin Ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh closer to visitors and at the same time ensure adequate safeguards and systems for the protection and conservation of these natural Resources. By involving local communities, the policy would help in increased livelihood opportunities as well as their involvement in awareness building, protection and conservation. It also envisages generation of financial returns which can be ploughed back into proper up keep and maintenance of the environment. It shall also promote greater understanding and appreciation for natural and cultural heritage.

The ongoing Eco-Tourism projects also need to be re-looked at and reviewed in view of the Central Ministry’s guidelines on Eco-Tourism. It may be necessary to evaluate the on-going projects in order to decide on their further continuation after the culmination of the term of these projects.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Punjab to the west, Haryana to the southwest, Uttarakhand to the south, and Uttar Pradesh to the southeast. The state has an area of 55,673 square kilometers (21,495 sq mi) and a population of 8,706,296 as of 2011. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Himachal Pradesh. The state has a number of tourist destinations, including hill stations, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The main tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh are:

Shimla: The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a popular hill station. It is known for its colonial architecture, its views of the Himalayas, and its pleasant climate.
Manali: A popular tourist destination in the Kullu Valley, Manali is known for its temples, its hot springs, and its opportunities for trekking and mountaineering.
Dharamshala: The home of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims. It is also known for its scenic beauty and its Tibetan culture.
Kullu: A popular tourist destination in the Kullu Valley, Kullu is known for its temples, its festivals, and its opportunities for trekking and mountaineering.
Spiti Valley: A remote valley in the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is known for its stunning scenery, its Buddhist monasteries, and its harsh climate.
Kinnaur Valley: A beautiful valley in the Himalayas, Kinnaur Valley is known for its temples, its monasteries, and its opportunities for trekking and mountaineering.
Chamba: A town in the Chamba district, Chamba is known for its temples, its palaces, and its woodcarvings.
Kangra: A town in the Kangra district, Kangra is known for its temples, its fort, and its Kangra Valley Railway.
Dalhousie: A hill station in the Chamba district, Dalhousie is known for its views of the Dhauladhar Range, its colonial architecture, and its pleasant climate.

The tourism policies of Himachal Pradesh are designed to promote the state as a tourist destination and to ensure the Sustainable Development of the tourism industry. The policies focus on the following areas:

Infrastructure Development: The state government is investing in the development of infrastructure, such as roads, Airports, and hotels, to improve the accessibility and quality of tourism in the state.
Promotion: The state government is promoting Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination through advertising and Marketing campaigns.
Human resource development: The state government is providing training to tourism professionals to improve the quality of service in the state.
Research: The state government is conducting research on the tourism industry to identify opportunities for growth and development.
Regulation: The state government is regulating the tourism industry to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists.
Environment: The state government is protecting the environment to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry.
Social: The state government is ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably by all sections of Society.
Economic: The state government is promoting the development of tourism-related businesses to boost the economy of the state.
Security: The state government is ensuring the safety of tourists by providing security personnel and by taking measures to prevent crime.
Disaster Management: The state government is preparing for and responding to disasters, such as Earthquakes and landslides, that can impact the tourism industry.
Public private PARTNERSHIP: The state government is partnering with the private sector to develop and promote tourism in the state.
Accreditation: The state government is accrediting tourism businesses to ensure that they meet certain standards of quality.
Certification: The state government is certifying tourism professionals to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Standardization: The state government is developing standards for tourism businesses and professionals to ensure the quality of tourism in the state.
Quality assurance: The state government is ensuring the quality of tourism in the state by conducting inspections and by taking corrective action when necessary.
Customer satisfaction: The state government is measuring customer satisfaction with tourism in the state to identify areas for improvement.
Feedback: The state government is collecting feedback from tourists and tourism businesses to improve the tourism industry in the state.
Complaint redressal: The state government is addressing complaints from tourists and tourism businesses to ensure that they are satisfied with the tourism industry in the state.
Grievance redressal: The state government is addressing grievances from tourists and tourism businesses to ensure that they are satisfied with the tourism industry in the state.
Dispute resolution: The state government is resolving disputes between tourists and tourism businesses to ensure that they are satisfied with the tourism industry in the state.

Here are some frequently asked questions about tourism in Himachal Pradesh:

What is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is from April to June and from September to November. The weather is pleasant during these months and there are fewer tourists.
What are some popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh?
Some popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu, and Spiti.
What are some things to do in Himachal Pradesh?
Some things to do in Himachal Pradesh include hiking, trekking, camping, mountaineering, and skiing. You can also visit temples, monasteries, and forts.
What is the best way to get around Himachal Pradesh?
The best way to get around Himachal Pradesh is by road. There are also a few airports in the state, but they are not well-connected to other parts of the country.
What is the best way to stay in Himachal Pradesh?
There are a variety of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Himachal Pradesh. You can also find homestays in some villages.
What is the cost of living in Himachal Pradesh?
The cost of living in Himachal Pradesh is relatively low. You can expect to spend around Rs. 1,000-2,000 per day on accommodation, food, and activities.
What are some things to keep in mind when visiting Himachal Pradesh?
Some things to keep in mind when visiting Himachal Pradesh include the altitude, the weather, and the culture. The altitude can be high, so it is important to acclimatize before doing any strenuous activities. The weather can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. The culture is different from the culture in other parts of India, so it is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
Where can I get more information about tourism in Himachal Pradesh?
You can get more information about tourism in Himachal Pradesh from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism website or from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department.

Sure, here are some MCQs on the topics of Himachal Pradesh without mentioning the topic of Tourism Policies of Himachal Pradesh:

Which of the following is not a district of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Chamba
(B) Kangra
(C) Kullu
(D) Ladakh
Which of the following is the capital of Himachal Pradesh?
(A) Shimla
(B) Dharamshala
(C) Manali
(D) Kullu
Himachal Pradesh is a state in which of the following regions of India?
(A) North
(B) East
(C) West
(D) South
The Official Language of Himachal Pradesh is
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Punjabi
(D) Pahari
The population of Himachal Pradesh is approximately
(A) 6 million
(B) 8 million
(C) 10 million
(D) 12 million
The Literacy rate of Himachal Pradesh is approximately
(A) 80%
(B) 90%
(C) 100%
(D) 120%
The main religion of Himachal Pradesh is
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Sikhism
The main crops of Himachal Pradesh are
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Apples
The main industries of Himachal Pradesh are
(A) Tourism
(B) agriculture
(C) Manufacturing
(D) Mining
The main tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh are
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The temples
(C) The lakes
(D) The forests