The State Government is working to explore the possibilities of marketing the tourism potential of the State by all modes including electronic media so as to attract maximum number of tourists to the State. Chief Minister said in the meeting that the State had bountiful tourism potential which was being exploited with ecological safeguards. He said that a number of initiatives had been taken during past three and half years to give new direction to tourism promotion. He said that ‘Home Stay’ scheme aimed at acquainting visitors with the life style of rural Himachal was gaining popularity day by day. He said that in rural areas a large number of people were coming forward to register their Home Stay Units. He said that all units registered under the ‘Home Stay’ scheme have been exempted from commercial tariff of power and water. Besides, other concessions were also being given to them.
Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr. Arun Sharma said that tourism being basic industry of the State had vast potential of generating economic activities, employment and self employment to the people in large number. He said that with the internet marketing of tourism potential the State will be in a position to attract more tourists not only from within the country but from various parts of the world as well. Senior officers of Tourism and allied departments were present at the meeting.
