A Potential New Tourism Policy for Himachal Is on the Horizon
In a bid to revitalise and expand its tourism sector, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced the Tourism Policy 2023. This policy, aimed at sustainable and inclusive tourism development, promises to boost the state's economy and introduce visitors to its undiscovered gems.
The key objectives of this policy include promoting sustainable tourism, enhancing tourism infrastructure, boosting the local economy, strengthening institutional capacity, and easing access to border areas. The policy emphasises environmentally responsible practices, such as incorporating green technologies like solar lighting and electric vehicles, and developing modern tourist facilities like wellness centres, adventure sports hubs, water parks, and biking trails.
The policy also aims to support the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board in designing comprehensive strategies and marketing plans, and provides training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). To encourage tourism in sensitive regions like Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and others, the government plans to open regulated border tourism, with relaxed entry protocols while ensuring security through coordination with the Ministry of Defence and Army.
One of the significant upcoming projects is the Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Project, a $162 million ADB-funded initiative that will enhance tourism infrastructure across five districts: Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. This project includes heritage restoration, development of wellness and adventure centres, beautification of public spaces, and integration of green solutions.
Another initiative is the Regulated Border Tourism Initiative, launched in June 2025, which opens previously restricted border areas for tourism under streamlined security and permission protocols. The New Homestay Rules 2025 simplify homestay registration, categorise homestays into classes, and provide discounts to women entrepreneurs and remote areas to encourage local participation.
The state government is also working to improve air connectivity, with ongoing efforts to expand the existing Kangra airport, construct a greenfield airport in Nagchala, Mandi district, and set up many new heliports throughout the state. The first phase of construction includes building nine heliports in different parts of the state.
The Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, presided over a meeting to assess the progress of ongoing tourism projects. He emphasised the need to promote lesser-known destinations in the state and the importance of effective marketing strategies and streamlining the workforce within the tourism department.
As of May 2023, Himachal Pradesh has already welcomed around 7.2 million tourists. The state government's aim is to attract more tourists, with a goal of raising the current number from three crore to five crore in the next five years. The government is also considering drafting a new tourism policy.
The state government is actively working to enhance air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, with the goal of making it more accessible for tourists. The ongoing efforts include expanding the existing Kangra airport, constructing a greenfield airport in Nagchala, Mandi district, and setting up many new heliports throughout the state.
The state government also intends to establish a themed satellite village in Naura Khad, Nagrota Bagwaan constituency of Kangra district. However, as of now, nine must-see places in Himachal Pradesh yet to be specified in this article.
[1] Himachal Pradesh Tourism Policy 2023: https://hptourism.gov.in/policy-2023 [2] Regulated Border Tourism Initiative: https://tourism.gov.in/content/regulated-border-tourism-initiative-himachal-pradesh [3] New Homestay Rules 2025: https://hptourism.gov.in/homestay-rules-2025
Visitors to Himachal Pradesh will find a variety of new tourist facilities under the Tourism Policy 2023, such as wellness centers, adventure sports hubs, water parks, and biking trails. This lifestyle enhancement, combined with the opportunity to explore undiscovered gems, makes travel to Himachal Pradesh an attractive option for tourists seeking unique experiences.
The tourism sector expansion includes the development of modern tourist facilities and the promotion of sustainable tourism. This travel-friendly environment, along with the government's efforts to improve air connectivity, could lead to an increase in tourist numbers, further boosting the local economy.
