Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called on national tourism stakeholders to showcase the state’s lesser-known destinations and cater to the evolving preferences of modern travelers. Speaking at the 56th Annual Convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) in Varanasi, the Chief Minister urged tour operators, travel agents, and hoteliers to update their itineraries with offbeat experiences across the hill state.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu pointed out that modern tourists increasingly favor authentic village lifestyles, wellness, and cultural immersion over standard sightseeing tours. He noted that recent improvements in roads, power, water supply, and digital connectivity have made remote locations far more accessible for visitors seeking quiet, nature-driven holidays.
To tap into these emerging trends, the state is drafting a dedicated “She Travel” policy aimed at ensuring safety for women travelers while encouraging women-led homestays, handicraft ventures, and tourism startups. The government is also promoting new travel formats such as caravan routes and weekend getaways, alongside sustainable rural homestays under the newly implemented Home Stay Rules, 2025.
On the infrastructure front, the state is pushing forward with the expansion of Kangra Airport and plans to develop an adjoining Aerocity, positioning Kangra as Himachal’s official tourism capital. The administration has also decided to build heliports across district headquarters to streamline visitor travel, assist disaster relief operations, and improve emergency medical responses in remote regions.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s strong appeal for adventure activities, pointing to paragliding hub Bir-Billing alongside skiing, trekking, and river rafting routes. He added that the state’s vibrant spiritual circuit of historic temples, Shakti Peeths, Buddhist monasteries, and Gurudwaras continues to play a major role in the local travel economy.
Sharing recent footfall figures, Sukhu revealed that Himachal Pradesh recorded 3.11 crore tourist arrivals throughout 2025, with religious travel accounting for 1.66 crore visitors. The momentum has carried into 2026, with the state already recording 1.06 crore arrivals by July. He invited hospitality leaders to partner closely with the state administration to build a sustainable, community-first travel network.
