Tourism is on the rise in the state with the government encouraging religious and other tourism activities in Uttarakhand. The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely brought a drop on tourism but the situation will revive swiftly once the conditions return to normal. Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said this while speaking at a webinar organised by the Tourism department on the occasion of World Tourism Day on Sunday.
The CM said that theme-based tourist destinations are being developed in each district, adding that tourism is a sector which has considerable scope for employment. He referred to the rich variety, resources and biodiversity of the state ranging from snow-clad Himalayan peaks and Bugyal meadows to the rich fauna and good human resources which attract tourists to Uttarakhand. He informed that the state is building a snow leopard conservation centre in Uttarkashi district. The government is also making efforts to facilitate year round tourism with a conducive atmosphere in the state for adventure activities like kayaking, rafting and paragliding. Efforts are also being undertaken to boost tourism in border areas. With homestays also being encouraged, more than 2,200 have been registered so far, added Rawat.
Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said that the tourism sector has had an important contribution in the State’s GDP. Efforts are being made to boost the livelihood of the locals through pilgrimage and tourism activities. Referring to the Covid pandemic, he said that the state government is attempting to convert a disaster into an opportunity. Citing this year’s World Tourism Day theme of ‘Tourism and Rural Development’, Maharaj said that the state government is undertaking various efforts to facilitate rural development along with tourism in the mountainous regions. The scenario in Uttarakhand will change and livelihood of people will improve through tourism in the coming days as a result of the governmental efforts, he added.
Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar, screenwriter Prasoon Joshi and others also expressed their views on the occasion.
