Tourism is the future of Uttarakhand – Chief Minister

Tourism has been one of the major revenue earners of Uttarakhand, the northern state of India. The state government is optimistic about the future of the state through development in the tourism sector.

“The tourism sector has the potential to create jobs. The existing tourism hot-spots like Nainital and Mussoorie, which were established centuries ago are at a saturation point and no more development are possible there. So, we are now focused on developing 13 new destinations. Around 12 big banner films have come to the state during my tenure. We are trying to increase the revenue of the state in the coming years. By 2020, we want to double the state’s resources,” said Trivendra Singh Rawat, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, while interacting with media persons on 4th August 2018.

Photo Courtesy: Indian Express

While answering a question about the government’s plan to create new hill stations, the minister said the state already have Gairsain and the areas near the lake in Tehri to be developed. The ministry has shortlisted places, those to be developed in every district.

“We are inviting investors. We are organizing an investors’ meet on October 4 and 5, and the Prime Minister will attend it. Thailand has expressed interest in investing in Uttarakhand. We are planning to build an Convention Center in Rishikesh, ” said Rawat.

When asked about the potential of adventure tourism in the state, the minister said besides its popularity for religious tourism, a lot of people coming to Uttarakhand for adventure activities like rafting, paragliding and mountaineering. The government will enhance the  infrastructure for adventure tourism. Strict safety measures will be implemented in these areas.

“Some people come for yoga. Wellness tourism also getting more popular in the state. We have tourists going for safari to Jim Corbett, which has one of the biggest tiger populations in the country,” added the minister