Tourism Policy of Himachal Pradesh 2005 | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

Tourism has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding sectors globally, with the number of international tourists expected to reach 1.5 billion in the near future. This industry supports approximately 11% of the global workforce and contributes 10.2% to the world's GDP. The sector's rapid growth is evident from the fact that a new job is created every 2.5 seconds.

Dynamic Nature of Tourism Policy

• Adaptation to Change: The dynamic nature of tourism demands that policies evolve in response to shifts in the environment, technology, resources, and stakeholder needs.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Policy Document

• Purpose: This policy document provides a clear roadmap for enhancing tourism in Himachal Pradesh, a well-known tourist destination. It aims to leverage the state's full potential to boost economic growth, tackle unemployment, and reduce poverty.
• Development: The document, which is based on extensive consultations with government bodies, industry players, and other stakeholders, outlines the tourism policy and strategies for implementation, including specific action plans.

Natural Beauty and Unique Selling Points

• State’s Attributes: Himachal Pradesh is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, including lush green valleys, snow-covered Himalayan peaks, and a peaceful, hospitable environment with a rich cultural heritage.
• Geographical Features: The state is surrounded by the Shiwalik hills, characterized by shallow valleys and dense scrub forests. The mid ranges feature majestic Himalayan cedar and spruces, while the alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks of the Greater Himalayas further enhance its appeal.

Historical Perspective

• Early Tourism: Prior to the 19th century, Himachal Pradesh was primarily a pilgrimage destination. Tourism began to gain recognition when the British established hill stations, with Shimla becoming the summer capital of India in 1864.
• Growth in Tourism: The post-independence era saw increased investment in infrastructure. The mid-80s and 90s marked a significant surge in tourism due to the Kashmir conflict, leading to a rapid increase in hotels and hotel rooms. However, this growth also brought challenges that the state is now better equipped to handle.

Tourism Statistics and Challenges

• Visitor Numbers: In 2004, Himachal Pradesh saw 6.5 million tourists, which is roughly equivalent to the state's population. This included about 204,000 international visitors.
• Focus on Quality: The state aims to attract higher-quality tourists and extend their stay. It also seeks to diversify tourism offerings to appeal to tourists year-round, breaking the seasonality of tourism.

Economic Impact

• Contribution to State Economy: Tourism contributes nearly 8% to Himachal Pradesh's Domestic Product, comparable to the horticulture sector. The policy aims to increase this contribution to 15% by 2020.

Policy Objectives

• Establishing a Leading Destination: Position Himachal Pradesh as a premier tourist destination both nationally and internationally.
• Economic Development: Use tourism as a major driver of economic growth and job creation.
• Private Sector Participation: Promote strong involvement of the private sector in developing tourism infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
• Sustainable Tourism: Encourage tourism practices that are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial for rural communities.
• Attracting Quality Tourists: Focus on attracting high-quality visitors and increasing their length of stay in the state.
• Heritage Preservation: Protect and preserve the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
• Community Involvement: Engage civil societies and NGOs in tourism-related activities and promotion.
• Adventure Tourism: Position Himachal Pradesh as a leading destination for adventure tourism.