Global push to Himachal tourism, HPTDC profits exceed Rs 100 cr mark
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government proposes a major push to the tourism sector, undertaking massive investment plans and the expansion of Gaggal Airport for the landing of larger aircraft and renovation of the heritage hotels, including the profit-making Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla.
“We are targeting a global push to the tourism industry with new facilities and upgrading infrastructure, and also raising the profits of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) – a government-owned pioneering PSU hosting tourists in more than 60 hotels, some of which are landmark properties,” said R S Bali, Chairman of the HPTDC, at a press conference here.
Bali said despite challenges like natural calamities and disruptions, HPTDC has seen the biggest jump in turnover from Rs 80 cr to Rs 110 crore.
“HPTDC has witnessed record growth, and major infrastructure redevelopment is underway with a long-term vision to transform Himachal Pradesh, the northern hill state, into the most sought-after world tourism destination,” he declared.
It reflects the commitment of our workforce and better management practices, he said He rolled out a multi-crore plan of ADB funding to add new facilities for the tourists, whose footfall in the small hill state of 75 lakh population is nearly 5 crores in a year.
The HPTDC chairman, who is also an MLA from Nagrota Bhagwan, said a major Rs 180 crore tourism project at Nagrota Bagwan is proposed for making Kangra a tourism capital with facilities like a five-star hotel, a large convention and wedding facility, and an international-standard musical fountain with the Dhauladhar ranges as a backdrop.
“This initiative will position Himachal as a leading wedding destination, similar to Jaipur, Udaipur, and Goa,” Bali said.
Among administrative reforms, Bali said HPTDC will soon set up a 24x7 call center and a flying squad to monitor operations, ensure transparency in billing, and improve service quality.
He added that tie-ups with private travel platforms have also been initiated to enhance bookings and generate advance revenue, an initiative he described as a first-of-its-kind move for a government tourism corporation.
He also highlighted major upcoming projects, including a Rs 45 crore renovation of the historic Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla, a Rs 20 crore investment in Hotel Hamir, and a Rs 35 crore development of a tourism complex at Jwala Ji.
