Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said the state govt was planning to invest between Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 15,000 crore in the tourism sector over the next five years. The focus will be on promoting high-end tourism, developing infrastructure and strengthening air connectivity.Sukhu made the statement while presiding over the closing ceremony of a golf tournament at Naldehra in Shimla district, in which over 80 players participated. He presented trophies to winners and felicitated them for their achievements on the occasion.The chief minister said Rs 3,000 crore was being spent on land acquisition for the expansion of Kangra airport. In addition, the state govt was providing Rs 35 crore under the Viability Gap Funding mechanism to support flight operations in the state.He said the govt was working towards connecting all district headquarters through heliport facilities. Efforts were also underway to introduce connecting flights from Shimla to improve air accessibility and make travel more convenient for tourists.Sukhu said the expansion of Kangra airport would enable the operation of larger aircraft, helping increase tourist arrivals and boosting tourism activities across Himachal.Highlighting the govt’s initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, he said 60 eco-tourism sites had been leased out, generating revenue of Rs 22 crore for the state exchequer.
