Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday announced a new initiative to boost tourism and promote self-employment by providing interest subsidies on loans for setting up new homestays and upgrading existing tourism units. The scheme, named the “Tourism Startup Scheme in Hospitality Industry,” is open to all bona fide residents of the state.

Under the scheme, the state government will provide interest subsidies on loans of up to ₹2 crore for a maximum period of three years from the date of disbursement. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu detailed the subsidy rates, which will be 3 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural areas, and 5 percent in tribal regions. The initiative aims to support entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector while expanding tourism opportunities across Himachal Pradesh.

“Homestays are playing a pivotal role in attracting tourists by offering affordable alternatives to hotels while encouraging longer stays in rural areas. This scheme will tap into the tourism potential of culturally rich regions, create self-employment opportunities, and strengthen the state economy,” Sukhu said in an official statement.

Tourism Development Initiatives
The government is actively working to develop new tourist destinations and enhance facilities across the state. Key initiatives include:

• Adventure and Border Tourism: Development of tourist spots in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, including promotion of adventure sports and border tourism activities in the Shipki-La area of Kinnaur.
• Wellness and Recreational Facilities: Establishment of wellness centers in Manali, Naggar, and Nadaun; ice-skating rinks in Shimla, Dharamsala, and Mandi; and river-rafting facilities in Nadaun.
• Religious Tourism: Beautification of the Baba Balak Nath temple in Hamirpur district.

Infrastructure and Eco-Tourism
The government is also investing in large-scale projects to improve tourism infrastructure:

• Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park: A ₹619-crore eco-friendly zoological park in Bankhandi, Kangra, which will include a planetarium and aims to be India’s first zoo certified by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainable initiatives.
• Air and Heliport Connectivity: Expansion of Kangra airport, with ₹460 crore already spent, and construction of 16 heliports across the state to improve connectivity, especially in remote and tribal areas.
• Adventure and Water Tourism: Construction of a skywalk bridge in the Hassan Valley near Kufri and the introduction of water-based tourism activities in Gobind Sagar reservoir and Androuli.
• Eco-Tourism Policy: Development of 77 eco-tourism sites with online booking facilities for activities such as camping and trekking.

Tourism and hospitality contribute 7.78 percent to Himachal Pradesh’s GDP, and these measures are designed to further enhance the sector’s contribution while promoting sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities.

By providing financial incentives for entrepreneurs and developing infrastructure, the Himachal government aims to attract more tourists, diversify offerings beyond traditional destinations, and create inclusive growth in both urban and remote areas.