Himachal Pradesh is now boosting eco-tourism by launching online services. Tourists and travellers can now book forest rest houses and camping sites through the HPECOSOC website. A trekking management system lists 245 routes. The eco tourism policy 2024 aims to develop 77 sites. This initiative aims to generate Rs 200 crore over the next five years. It focuses on sustainable tourism, local job creation, and economic growth.
Now, eco tourism services have gone online in Himachal Pradesh. Over 100 forest rest houses, houses and campaign sites can be booked through the Himachal Pradesh Eco Tourism Society website. A trekking management system has also been introduced, featuring more than 245 trekking routes categorised by difficulty. A mobile app is being developed to guide the trekkers further, an official statement said on Sunday.
The government has ensured that the Eco Tourism Policy 2024 aligns with the rules of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, as well as the amended Forest Conservation Act, Sanrakshan Evam Samvardham Adhiniyam 2023.
In 2024, over 200,000 tourists visited Himachal Pradesh, including 82,000 foreign visitors, a 13.4% rise compared to the previous year. Tourism contributes 7.78 per cent to the state’s Gross State Product (GSP), and the new policy on eco-tourism is expected to strengthen the state’s economy further.
The eco-tourism policy has been launched to develop 77 eco-tourism sites. The government expects to generate Rs 200 crore in revenue over the next five years. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates local jobs and helps the economy grow cleanly and sustainably. Under this policy, 77 eco-tourism sites are being developed in different parts, including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rapur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur, and Rekong Peo.
Eco-tourism operators have already been selected for seven popular sites: Potter Hill and Shogi in Shimla, Solang Nallah and Kasol in the Parvati Valley, and Booth in the Kullu district. The remaining sites are being developed for trekking, bird-watching, forest camping, jungle walks, homestays, and nature interpretation trails. A key component of the eco-tourism policy is to involve local communities. Eco tourism committees have been formed in each forest circle to oversee these projects, and local youth are being trained as nature guides and workers. So far, more than 70 guises and 135 multi-purpose workers have been trained, employing while encouraging environmental stewardship.
In the two and a half years, the government has built a strong foundation for eco-tourism. Thus, protecting the environment, enriching biodiversity, and supporting the local economy. Himachal Pradesh is setting a remarkable example of how tourism and conservation can coexist in harmony.
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