Unlocking Himachal’s Hidden Treasures: A New Push for Home Stays and Eco-Tourism

A new initiative led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is creating a buzz across Himachal Pradesh, aiming to turn the state’s stunning landscapes into engines of opportunity for its people. The Tourism Startup in Hospitality Industry Scheme is designed to empower local residents by making it easier to start or upgrade tourism businesses, fostering both self-employment and sustainable travel.

At its heart, the scheme offers a helping hand with financing. Any bonafide resident can apply for an interest subsidy on loans up to ₹2 crore—3% in urban areas, 4% in rural areas, and 5% in tribal areas—for the first three years. This support is especially targeted at home stays, which have become a beloved alternative for travelers seeking authentic, affordable experiences while extending their stays in rural communities.

The government’s vision, however, stretches far beyond home stays. It’s about revealing Himachal’s full potential. New destinations are being developed, from the high-altitude wonders of Chandratal and Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti to the serene villages of Rackcham and Nako in Kinnaur, including plans for border tourism at Shipki-La.

A wave of new experiences is on the horizon: wellness centers in Manali and Naggar, ice-skating rinks in Shimla and Dharamshala, river rafting in Nadaun, and the beautification of pilgrimage sites like the Baba Balak Nath temple. Iconic sites such as Rohtang Pass and Chintpurni will soon be connected by scenic ropeways, with the newly dedicated Bagulamukhi ropeway in Mandi leading the way.

In a significant commitment to nature, the upcoming ‘Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park’ in Kangra is set to be India’s first IGBC-certified green zoo. Alongside a new Eco-Tourism Policy opening 77 forest sites for camping and trekking, it underscores a pledge to grow tourism without disturbing the ecological balance.

With tourism already contributing 7.78% to the state’s economy, these efforts aim to deepen that impact. Kangra is being developed as the ‘Tourism Capital,’ its airport undergoing expansion. To improve access to remote gems, 16 new heliports are in the works, alongside unique projects like a sky walk bridge near Kufri and first-of-their-kind water tourism activities at the Gobind Sagar reservoir.

This comprehensive plan is more than policy—it’s an invitation to residents and travelers alike. For locals, it’s a chance to build a livelihood rooted in their heritage. For visitors, it promises new ways to connect with the soul of the mountains. Together, they’re weaving a future where tourism enriches both the land and its people.