Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday said that the State Government envisages to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
“Efforts would be made to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities in the state,” said Thakur while presiding over a presentation on tourism development of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said that tourism in Himachal Pradesh is looking forward to a sea change in the coming years with initiation of the Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Government of India.
The state has immense tourism potential due to its varied climatic condition, diverse culture and natural grandeur, he said.
Thakur said that the State Government is contemplating to develop Buddhist circuit keeping in view several Buddhist monasteries situated in the state.
The Chief Minister also said that the state is a centre of different art and culture and its impact can clearly be seen in the art and culture of Himachal Pradesh where people believe in fairs and festivals and different other cultural programs to organize throughout the year.
It would be developed as a diverse cultural destination where tourists can enjoy the rich cultural diversity and know more about art culture of Himachal Pradesh, he said.
The Chief Minister added that with these initiatives, tourism in the state would take quantum jump in generating greater revenue and employment as also making Himachal a more attractive place for the tourists.
Chief Secretary BK Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretaries Dr Shrikant Baldi and Anil Khachi, Ram Subhag Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Kundu, Director Language and Culture KK Sharma were also present on the occasion among others.