In a major stride towards enhancing tourism infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the completion of land acquisition for the expansion of Kangra Airport by March. This project, pivotal for the state's tourism, involves extending the airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft, thus increasing accessibility for tourists.

Himachal Pradesh has seen an extraordinary influx of visitors this year, with tourist footfalls crossing the 1.5 crore mark. This surge is a testament to the state's successful efforts in promoting tourism, especially in the wake of recent challenges.

The state, with its 9,000 hotels and regulated homestay operations, is geared to accommodate the growing number of tourists. This regulation ensures a safe, comfortable, and authentic experience for visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy.

The Chief Minister's vision of developing Kangra as the “tourism capital” is backed by an impressive INR 3,000 crore investment. This initiative aims to transform Kangra into a thriving tourism hub, leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Recognizing the modern-day requirements of tourists, Himachal Pradesh is focused on developing infrastructure that caters to convenience and safety. This includes connecting every district headquarters with a heliport facility, further enhancing accessibility.

The Chief Minister highlighted the state's natural beauty, comparing its snow-covered areas to Switzerland. With around 70 percent forest cover, Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as the lungs of North India, a title that the state aims to reinforce globally.

In addition to boosting tourism, the state government is encouraging self-employment and a start-up culture. Initiatives like the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, offering a 50 percent subsidy for e-taxi purchases, are in place to support the youth.

Chief Minister Sukhu's ambitious vision aims to bring the state's economy back on track by 2026 and position Himachal Pradesh as the most prosperous state in India by 2032. This comprehensive approach intertwines infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and economic empowerment, setting a benchmark for others to follow.