Chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat said that adventure tourism activities need to be expanded in the state. He directed officials to prepare such a tourism plan which facilitates tourism activities throughout the year. While stating that domestic tourism should also be encouraged, he also pointed at the need for working for an international airport in the state. The CM said this while chairing a review meeting of the tourism department here on Saturday.

The CM directed the officials to ensure all arrangements are made considering the coming Char Dham Yatra, tourism season and the Covid-19 situation. “We have to facilitate conduct of tourism activities while also ensuring observance of the Covid guidelines. For this, talks should be held with all the people connected with tourism, their suggestions and cooperation should be sought,” said Rawat. The CM further said that adventure events should be held at various places to encourage adventure tourism. Attempts should be made to maximise the number of local youths connected to tourism through home stays. Referring to the Char Dham Yatra, he said that all arrangements should be made with special focus on sanitation and public facilities on the Yatra route. Work should also be done on the tourist safety management system, added the CM. Tourism minister Satpal Maharaaz said that religious circuits should be developed and widespread publicity should be undertaken. The guidelines which are made for tourism considering Covid should be completely clear. The interest of those involved in the tourism industry should also be considered as far as possible, he added.

Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar said that the tourism department is working towards the aim of safe, consistent and inclusive tourism. While an adventure tourism wing has been formed, work on the eco tourism wing is underway. A total of 3,107 home stays have been registered with the department so far, he added.