Uttarakhand is blessed with some of the most beautiful tourism destinations in India. The Great Himalayas have given the state beautiful valleys, hill stations, picturesque lakes and the origins to the greatest rivers. But above all, it is the seat of civilization with is more than 5000 years and is still thriving.
The Tourism Sector of the state has a huge potential owing to these physical and cultural assets. It can generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment, promote development, reduce income and employment disparities among regions, strengthen linkages among many sectors of the national as well as state economy and help to alleviate poverty. Further the sector has the potential to address the problem of migration in the hills by providing decent work and livelihood to the youth of the state. Synchronously the state has to address the problem of Climate Change as it is one of the primary sources of fresh air and water to the Northern Regions. In this context The United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) become very relevant. Every effort in this direction has to be in sync with the SDGs.
To strengthen the initiatives, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has also issued a Guidance Note on Sustainable Tourism. The efforts in this direction will help the state in developing world class infrastructure together with sustainable livelihood and protecting the environment.
PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Uttarakhand State Chapter, is a primary industry body in the state acting as an interface between the members of the Industry and the Government. We have been working together with industry to chalk out the growth trajectory of the sector. Our understanding on matters of concern has been shaped over 100 years of experience. It is our ability to appreciate the multi-dimensionality of issues that has held us with good stead with all our stakeholders over the years.