Himachal is the best tourist destination: Dhumal

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

SHIMLA, JUNE 3

 The Government of Himachal Pradesh & PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry had jointly organized a one-day inaugural session on “Unforgettable Himachal: Opportunities Unlimited Exhibition & Conclave”, Mr. P.K Dhumal, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh was the Chief Guest at the Conference, a press release issued by  Chamber said in Shimla on Sunday.

The conference was attended by State Secretaries, Infrastructure developers including amusement and recreation planners, policy makers, diplomats, Indian and foreign tour operators, foreign tourism boards, tourists and citizens of Himachal Pradesh. The Conference highlighted to promote investment opportunities in tourism sector. The NRIs and PIOs had come to know about the tourism opportunities and investment opportunities in this sector.

 Mr. P.K Dhumal, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh said, after 2009, PHD has organized the similar kind of exhibition again and it is highly appreciated by the Himachal Government. He further stated that people of the State have co-operated and had vanished from Plastic and polythene bags from the States. All other States have to take actions to stop promoting plastic bags as polythene bags carried by the tourists of other States are making the environment worst.

He said the state government is actively involved in creating awareness amongst the students. The school going students read 9 pledges before going to schools and this practice has transformed the youth into better citizens.

He further stated that for making the State eco and tourist friendly. The electricity and water rates are being provided at domestic rates. Helicopter service has been started in the State to save precious times of the industrialists. The State was generating only 2838 MW electricity past couple of years and recently the State is producing electricity more than 9000 MW.

The Chief Minister further added that all the roads in the State are well connected and are properly maintained for tourism promotion.

Mr. Sandip Somany, President, PHD Chamber, said Himachal Pradesh has taken an initiative of promoting tourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism. Around 4.85 lakh foreign tourists had visited in 2011-12 in Himachal Pradesh. The H.P. Government has introduced the ambitious schemes like ‘Home Stay’ which allows visitors to acquaint tourists to the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the natives, who dwell in the rural belts of the State. 

He further urged the State to promote tourism by setting up an international airport to facilitate international tourists. The state is also promoting private sector participation to enhance hydro power generation and has initiated the process of development of the economy.

Mr. Sudripta Roy Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh said earlier horticulture and agriculture were the main sectors of the State. The State has become the most favourable destination for touriststands as par as other beautiful states all over the world. The infrastructure has been changed tremendously.  It will become a green state by the year 2020. Green belt in high court is taking care of the green promotion of the State.

Mr. Scott Slessor, Canada’s Consul General had highly appreciated the infrastructure of the State. Also highlighted the problem of attracting tourists all over the year and has become like seasonal tourism.  46 to 57% of visitors love travelling in the month of summer and only four districts out of twelve are attracting the tourists worldwide.

Mr Iqbal Ahmed Vice President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulated PHD Chamber to invite his Rawalpindi Chamber to Exhibit their Chamber as it will lead both the countries for a better relations.