No. PR – 158
December 4, 2021
New Delhi
Tourism remains a key contributor to Himachal’s economy with its current share of approximately 7% to the state GDP, says Principal Secretary– Tourism
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized its 13th webinar under Border Tourism Webinar Series on 3 December 2021 focusing on Lahaul & Spiti district for the promotion of Border Tourism in Himachal Pradesh. The webinar was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Mr. Vinod Zutshi (Retd. IAS), Former Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that the tourism board along with the district administrator needs to work towards enhancement of road, air connectivity and up gradation of tourist infrastructure. Access to Himachal Pradesh through air mode of transport, especially heliports is much needed for smoother tourism transportation and accessibility. He further added that there’s a need for separate government scheme focused on development of tourist infrastructure in the border districts.
Mr. Subhasish Panda (IAS), Principal Secretary– Tourism, Government of Himachal Pradesh, informed that Himachal Pradesh is slowly recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic with around 45 lakh tourists visiting the state in 2021. Tourism remains a key contributor to Himachal’s economy with its current share of approximately 7% to the state GDP. The state government is in the process of taking its second loan from the Asian Development Bank worth Rs. 2100 crores for developing infrastructure to create new destinations. He also informed that heliport services in Shimla district is likely to start in a week’s time which will give further impetus to the tourists.
While giving an overview on the Lahaul & Spiti district, Mr. Neeraj Kumar (IAS), Deputy Commissioner– Lahaul & Spiti District, Government of Himachal Pradesh, informed that Lahaul Valley has become one of the most popular tourist destinations of Himachal, due to its easy approach after the opening of Atal Tunnel. Spiti Valley boasts a rich Tibetan Buddhism influence; it is also home to numerous scenic monasteries such as Tabo, Dhankar, Komic and the famous attraction, Ki Monastery. He further said that villages bordering China shall be earmarked for development of hinterland by establishing dual purpose villages i.e. both for security and tourism, trade.
Mr. Abinash Manghani, CEO, WelcomHeritage Hotels, mentioned that the establishment of new airports and heliports in Himachal Pradesh will provide an immense push to the state’s tourism and tourism related businesses. Further, the uptick in tourism by infrastructural development will bring about a significant change in the economic profile of Himachal Pradesh.
Mr. Umesh Kapur, Director, Grand Travel Planners, highlighted the urgent need for accreditation in order to establish quality check and standardization across tourist destinations and accommodations that will consequently lead to a much higher quality of tourist experience.
Mr. Pawan S. Jain, Chair– Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, said that Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular and easily accessible hill states of India. People from all parts of the country and world visit this beautiful State to enjoy its natural beauty. The state has so much to offer, no wonder it’s a top tourist attraction in North India.
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair– Tourism & Hospitality Committee, PHDCCI, proposed the formal vote of thanks. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI and received participation of more than 100 delegates including senior government officials, travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, airline professionals, travel associations and students from the travel and hospitality institutes.
The next webinar with Focus State – Tripura is scheduled for 17 December 2021 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and shall focus on Dhalai District.
PHDCCI’s webinar was supported by Annual Sponsors such as, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; P G Industry; Uflex Ltd; DLF Ltd; Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd; Belair Travel & Cargo Pvt Ltd; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Crystal Crop Protection Ltd; Paramount Communications; Superior Industries Ltd; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Comtech Interio; R E Rogers; AYUSH Herbs Private Ltd; Apeejay Stya Group; DCM Shriram; EaseMyTrip; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; MV Cotspin Ltd; Synergy Environics Ltd; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; P S BEDI & Co.; Indian Farmer & Fertilizers Corporation Ltd; Jindal Steel; Hindware Sanitary; Modern Automobiles; Livit Ltd.
_
End
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry