SHIMLA: After  suffering huge setbacks,  Himachal Pradesh celebrates achievement as it surpasses the one crore mark in tourist footfalls during the first six months of 2023, marking the highest influx in the last six years.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lauds the State Government's relentless efforts in bolstering tourism infrastructure for this  resurgence till June 2023.

The state's natural charm and all-season allure have made it a favored destination for domestic travelers.

The major challenge now is how to revive the tourism industry in the post-deluge period as the tourist arrival has hit a rock bottom. 

Despite the challenges posed by the post-Corona period, Himachal Pradesh has seen an impressive resurgence in domestic tourist interest.

However, the recovery of foreign tourists remains sluggish, with only 28,239 foreign visitors recorded as of June 2023.

This aspect has proven to be a hurdle for the state's tourism industry in the wake of the pandemic.

Himachal Pradesh had witnessed a robust influx of foreign tourists before the pandemic, but the numbers dwindled drastically during the COVID-19 period.

The recent flash floods in July 2023 further impacted tourism, leading to the evacuation of over 70,000 tourists.

Nevertheless, the State Government remains resolute in its commitment to promoting tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

To bolster the industry and encourage foreign tourist arrivals, the government plans to focus on specialized marketing strategies and improving overall tourist experiences.

While the recovery of foreign tourists may be slow, the state's dedication to sustainable tourism practices continues.

Himachal Pradesh aims to create a safe and pollution-free environment to preserve its natural beauty and allure.

The tourism sector's significance in supporting the state's economy cannot be understated, as it generates direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of families.

In pursuit of its ambitious goal of welcoming five crore tourists annually, the State Government is actively developing Kangra as the tourism capital of the State, with a proposed investment of Rs. 3000 crore dedicated to this project.

The government will prioritize improving road and air connectivity, including expanding the Kangra Airport and establishing heliports across all districts, said CM.