To give fillip to tourism in the state, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board (HPTDB) is now going to improve infrastructure besides develop new destinations to attract foreign tourists.
While addressing a press conference here today, Chairman of the State Tourism Development Board Vijai Singh Mankotia said that development of new destinations have become need of the hour to attract tourists especially those from the foreign shores.
Mankotia revealed to aggressively promote the tribal tourism by connecting Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti with Ladakh and to woo more tourists to the state, new destinations like Rajgarh in Sirmaur district, Chanshal-Narot in Pabbar valley of Shimla district, Jatingri and Barot in Mandi district, Bir-Billing in Kangra district and Jot in Chamba district would be develop with all necessary amenities.
HPTDB vice-chairman accepted that the state lacks proper infrastructure, communication and connectivity and even existing roads are also in bad shape and giving nightmare for the tourists. He also talked about the need to decongest the over-saturated tourist destinations like Shimla and Dharamshala and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has already asked urban development department to prepare a roadmap.
Mankotia also revealed to introduce house boats, shikaras and steamers in the Pong dam reservoir besides promoting water sports activity in a big way. He also revealed Tourism Development Board plan to tap immense religious tourism potential of the state and talk to develop the Naina Devi-Vaishno Mata circuit by linking Naina Devi with Shaktipiths like Chamunda-Bajjreshwari-Chintpurni and Vaishno Devi.
