HIMACHAL PRADESH TOURISM POLICIES: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

Abstract

“To make tourism the prime engine of economic growth in the state by positioning it as a leading global destination by the year 2020†(Web), is the mission statement of Himachal Pradesh tourism policy 2005. Tourism is one of the most sparkling industries across the world that can generate revenue for the nations and employment for individuals. India is a land of diversity not only culturally but geographically too. In this context Himachal Pradesh as a Himalayan state of India has myriad scope of tourism. The state has unique fauna and flora with natural lakes, rivers and historical places. Although the state government has taken it as missionary task of making it global destination particularly in 2005 yet a long way is still to be covered. The state has tourism department but its functioning and policy framing have not prepared as per the demand of future. The paper seeks to analyze the tourism policies of Himachal Pradesh government and their contribution to the employment of the youth and state income. The paper will also highlight the limitations and loopholes of the current policies suggesting new ways for its futuristic advancement.