CHAPTER- 3 HIMACHAL PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION- AN OVERVIEW

Transcription

1 CHAPTER- 3 HIMACHAL PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION- AN OVERVIEW

2 3.1 INTRODUCTION The development of tourism in H.P began with the starting of the IIND five year plan when Tourist Information Center (TIC) was opened ai Shimla. After the Tourist Information Center, Naldehra Golf Club, Bilaspur, Mandi and Chamba TIC were opened in the year For the development of tourism for the first time during the third five year plan in , the public relation department introduces a separate tourist cell creating the post of one Deputy Director, one Assistant, two Clerks and two Peons. During first and second five year plan there were no provisions of funds for the development of tourism but during Illf^'J five year plan, Rs 5.02 lacs were spent on different projects. On July 1966, an independent directorate of tourism was established by separating it form public relations department, November 1966, became a historical month for the department of tourism when famous tourist spots like, Shimla, Chail, Dalhousie, Kangra, Kullu, Palampur, Jawalamukhi, Manali, Chintpurni and Keylong were included in H.P. after restructuring the Punjab. In order to promote tourism widely the state need of an independent agency was felt that could carry out the various tourism development plans. Thus, (H.P.T.D.C) Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation was formed on l^t September 1972 under company act After the formation of H.P.T.D.C a skeleton staff consisting of one deputy director tourism, one assistant, two clerks and one peon was retained in tourism department and rest of the staff along with the entire movable and immovable property was transferred to the corporation. Now the corporations have following staff: 69

3 Table 3.1 Manpower of H.P.T.D.C Grade No of employees Percentage Basic pay scale Grade I Grade II Grade III Grade IV Casual/part time Daily wages Total Source: Head office H.P.T.D.C Ritz Annexe-The Mall Shimla. There are 55 employees in Grade I of 7220 basic pay scale consisting 3.20 percent of total man power of the corporation, 34 employee in Grade II who are 1.98 percent of total, 700 employee in Grade III consisting of percent, 506 employee of Grade IV and 426 employees are casual or part time working with the H.P.T.D.C. Now the H.P.T.D.C perform various activities to achieve its objectives mainly growth and development of tourism in H.P. This is only public sector unit in H.P. responsible for the organization and management of tourism in the state. H.P.T.D.C. started with 857 beds in 1972 and due to its effective steps there is tremendous increase in the number of hotels and other facilities. It is a pioneer in development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal. It provides a complete package of tourism services including accommodation, catering, transport, conferencing and sports activities. Now H.P.T.D.C, having the largest chain of finest hotels and restaurants in the state has 53 hotels having 962 rooms with 2153 beds and 1721 employees. It also runs 60 restaurants and cafes serving a varied cuisine including Himachali delicacies and all these set in a superb location in the top of the nature. 70

4 The number of tourist stayed in these hotels during is as follows: Table 3.2 Number of tourists stayed in H.P.T.D.C. hotels during Foreign percent Domestic Total percent (4.51) (95.49) [100) [4.15) (95.85) ) (3.82) (96.18) [100) [3.91) (96.09) ) [3.56) (96.44) ) [3.55) (96.45) [100) [2.82) (97.18) ) (2.31) (97.69) [100) (2.79) 7032 (3.45) (97.21) (96.55) Source: Head Office H.P.T.D.C. [100) [lo^o] The above table 3.2 represents the tourist stay in Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation hotels. Tourist stayed in H.P.T.D.C hotels grown significantly from 1,37,515 in to 2,03,751 in registering continue increase year by year. Foreign tourist stay in H.P.T.D.C hotel was increased from 6212 in to 7032 in not registering continue increase in the percentage of total tourist stay. In 1995 it is 4.51 percent of total tourists but after 1995 it continuously decreased in percentage. There has been a fall in the percentages of staying tourist that is 4.15 percent, 3.82 percent in and There is a little increase in with the percentage of 3.91 percent but after to there has been 71

5 continue fall in this percentage. But in and there is a rising percentage reached at 3.45 percent in of the total tourist. Domestic tourist arrival and stay in H.P.T.D.C. hotel has shown significant increase form in to in with the continue increase in percentage from percent in to percent in of total tourist stay excepting in the year when it registered a little decrease in percent over previous year, that is percent in and percent in The total number of domestic tourist stayed in H.P.T.D.C. hotels has a consistent growth trend but it is fluctuated in the case of foreign tourist. Now the H.P.T.D.C. Ltd. has its own transport wing with a view to provide tourists with comfortable means of conveyance and also enable them to travel more conventionally to the various places of tourist interest in H.P. The transport wing includes A/C coaches with comfortable push back seats, video and other facilities as to promote tourism in H.P. Flow of tourist largely determines the growth and pattern of the transport industry which carries tourism activities of the state. Tourism is a modern miracle which has the capability of turning sands into the diamond. Tourism potential of H.P. is very rich and it attracts both national and international tourist. Perhaps there is no other state in India which offers the tourists with such diverse attractions that H.P. can offer to all types of tourists. 3.2 MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF H.P.T.D.C. LTD. I. The name of the company is "Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd." 72

6 II. The registered office of the company will be situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. III. (A) Main objective: The objectives for which the company is established are as under: 1. To establish, develop, promote, execute, operate, and otherwise carry on projects, schemes, business and activities which in the opinion of the company are likely to facilitate or accelerate the development of tourism. 2. To construct, run and maintain tourist information center or bureaus in the state of H.P. or outside within the country. 3. Editing, designing, printing, publishing, selling or otherwise dealing with books, periodicals, pamphlets, bills, posters, picture, etc for the purpose of giving publicity for developing tourism. 4. To construct, lease, take on lease, reserve, run and madntain cafeterias, restaurants, clubs including ice skating, winter sports, roller skating and golf etc., rest houses, house boats, and other places for the purpose of stay of tourists. 5. To acquire land, construct, develop and maintain wayside amenities and picnic spots. Ill (B) Objects incidental or ancillary to the main objectives: 1) To acquire land, construct and maintain approach roads, water supply, maintain site, building and equipment for camping belonging to the company. 2) To provide entertainment by way of organizing festivals, cultural shows, dances, music concerts, cabarets, film show, sports and games and others. 73

7 3) To organize all inclusive tours by road, rail, sea, air or otherwise and enter into agreement connected with organization of such tours. 4) To act as caterers and dealers in catering goods. 5) To act as general agents and as proprietors conducting safe deposit vaults and to carry on business of running boats, yachts, night clubs, swimming pools, bakeries and confectioneries or to do all such activities to the attainment of main objects. 6) To give grant in kind or cash for improving the rest houses belonging to the govt, by way of additions and allocations and furnishing. 7) To provide lodging and boarding and other facilities to the public including tourists wishing to hire or otherwise avail of facilities in the establishment controlled by the company in order to encourage tourist traffic to the state. 8) To enter into negotiation, sign contract, instruments, documents, bills for carrying on the business of hotel management and operation and other business of the company. 9) To act as agents for government or other authorities or any manufacturers, merchants, trader, and to transact and carry on business connected with the functions undertaken by the company. 10) To sell, improve, manage, develops, exchange, lease, mortgage, dispose off, turn to account or to otherwise deal with all or any part of the property, assets and rights of the company. 11) To establish agencies in India and elsewhere and to regulate their working. 12) To construct, purchase, take on hire or otherwise acquire, kala Kendra, auditorium, halls, theaters, concert halls, open air theaters, or other buildings of a like character and renting rights in the same 74

8 and to sell, give on hire or otherwise dispose off the rights so acquired. Ill (C) The other objects for which the company is established are: 1) To employ or pay the staff or to remunerate any person for service rendered in the conduct of the business of the company. 2) To invest and deal with the money of the company not immediately required in such manner as may from time to time be determined. 3) To create any depreciation fund, reserve fund, sinking fund, insurance fund and any other special fund for the interest of the company. 4) To promote and establish such association, societies, clubs and other suitable bodies as may be necessary in order to carry out the aforesaid objects effectively. 5) To pay all the preliminary expenses of any kind and incidental to the formation and incorporation of the company out of the funds of the company. 6) To sell the undertaking of the company and any part of it. 7) To amalgamate with any other company having objects altogether or in part similar to these of this company. 8) To do all such other things as are incidental or conductive to the attainment of the above objects. (IV) The liabilities of the member is limited. (V) The authorized capital of the company is Rs 15 crore divided into 1,50,000 ordinary shares of Rs 1,000 each with the right, privileges and conditions attaching there to as may be provided by the article of association of the company for the time being with powers to company and to divide the share in the capital for the time being into several classes and to attach there to, respectively such preferential, granted, qualified or special right, privilege and conditions as may be determined 75

9 by or in accordance with the A.O.A. of the company and to vary, modify, amalgamate, or abrogate any such right, privilege and conditions. In such manner as may for the time being be permitted by the company act Tourism department also set objectives in their five year policy for smooth working of the organization. Recently tourism department given their new policy 2005 which includes the following objectives: 1. To establish H.P. as a leading tourist destination in the country and abroad. 2. To make tourism a prime engine for economic development and prosperity of the state and as a major means for providing employment. 3. To encourage a strong and sustainable private sector participation in creation of tourism infrastructure especially through public private partnerships. 4. To promote sustainable tourism, this is not only environmentally compatible but also leads to economical betterment of the rural people. 5. To attract quality tourist and to increase their stay in the state. 6. To safeguard the state's natural and manmade heritage. 7. To encourage civil societies and non-government organizations for promotion and the conducting of tourism related activities. 8. To position Himachal Pradesh as a one stop destination for adventure tourism'. 76

10 3.3 ARTICLE OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY 1) In these articles unless there is something in the subject of context inconsistent therewith: The Act- means the companies act Board- means the board of directors for the time being of the company. By Laws- which may be made by the directors of the company under these article and which may for the time being be in force. Capital- means the capital for the time being raised or authorized to be raised for the purpose of the company. Chairman- means the chairman of the board of directors for the time being of the company. The company- means Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Directors- means the directors for the time being of the company. Dividend- includes bonus. Month- means a calendar month (according to Gregorian calendar) Office- means the registered office for the time being of the company. The register of the member- register of members to be kept pursuant to the act. Governor- means the governor of the state of H.P. Regulations- means regulation for the time being in force for the management of the company. Seal- means the common seal for the time being of the company. In writing and written- include printing, lithography, and other modes representing or reproducing words in a visible form, words imparting the masculine gender also include the feminine gender. 2) Table "A" not to apply. 3) Company to be a private company. 77

11 4) Power to increase or reduction in capital- subject to the approval of the government. 5) General meetings: (i) holding the annual general meeting. (ii) extraordinary meeting to be called, (iii) quorum should be there, (iv) notice of meeting not less than 21 days, (v) chairman of the general meeting-chairman of the board of directors in absence vice chairman shall preside. 6) Directors: (1) Until otherwise determined by the government and the company in general meeting by way of special resolution the number of the directors shall not be less than two and not more than twelve and one of them shall be appointed by the government as the chairman and another may be appointed as vice-chairman. (2) The director shall unless otherwise determined by the govt, be appointed by the company in general meeting. (3) The government shall have the power to remove any director including the chairman or vice chairman and the managing director from the office at any time in its absolute discretion. (4) The government shall have the right to fill any vacancy in the office of a director caused by retirement, removal, resignation, death or otherwise and shall also be competent to sanction their leave and determine their terms and conditions of appointments. 7) Remuneration of Directors: Subject to section 314 of the directors, chairman, vice chairman, and managing director shall from time to time be determined by the government. Such reasonable additional remuneration or 78

12 compensatory allowance as may be fixed by the govt, may be paid to any one or more of the directors for extra or special services rendered by him or them. 8) Managing Directors: (a) The government may appoint a managing director out of the directors or any other person found suitable on such term and at such remuneration as it may deem proper and may from time to time remove him or them from office and appoint another or others m his or their place or places. (b) The board of directors may from time to time entrust to an confer upon the managing director for the time being such of the powers as they may think expedient and from time to time revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of such power. 9) Powers of managing director and other officers: The board of directors may from time to time entrust and confer upon the managing director or the other officers of the company for the time being such of the powers exercisable under these article by the board as it may think fit and may confer such powers for such time and to be exercised for such objects and purpose and upon such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as it may think expedient, and it may confer such powers either collaterally with or to the exclusion of such in substitution for all or any of the powers of the directors in that behalf, and may from time to time revoke, withdraw, or vary all or any or such powers. 10) Responsibility of Directors: The directors shall duly comply with the provision of the act, or any statutory modification there of for the time being in force, and in particular with the provision in regard to the registration of the 79

13 particulars of the mortgages and charges created by it affecting the property of the company, and to keep a register of the directors and to send to the register all returns due to be filed in his office under the provision of the act. The article of association reveals the relationship of employees, internal procedure and policies of company. A company can not work beyond the rules of these articles. Every shareholders have to accept these regulations to enter in the business of the company*'.^ 3,4 LIST OF HOTELS OF H.P.T.D.C. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is an undertaking of the state govt. It provides a complete package ol tourism services, including accommodation, catering, transport, and conferencing and sports activities. It operates the largest hospitality network in Himachal Pradesh. The H.P.T.D.C has 53 hotels having 962 rooms with 2153 beds of various types. It also runs the 60 restaurants and cafe serving varied cuisine including Himachali delicacies. For the convenience of the tourists the state has been divided into four circuits viz, Shimla circuit or Saltuj circuit (Shimla, Solan, Sirmour, and Kinnaur), Kullu-Manali circuit or vyas circuit (Bilaspur, Mandi, KuUu, Lahul Spiti), Dharamshala-Palampur circuit or Dhauladhar cirdcuit (Hamirpur, Kangra) and Chamba-Dalhousie circuit (Ravi circuit). The details of hotels of H.P.T.D.C. are classified in premium hotels, deluxe hotels and budget hotel as under: (A) Premium Hotels: 1. Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla. 2. Hotel Peterhof, Shimla. 3. Hotel Palace, Chail. 80

14 4. Hotel Loghuts, Manali. 5. Hotel Castle, Naggar. (B) Deluxe Hotels: 1. Hotel Shiwalik, Parwanoo. 2. Hotel Ros Common, Kasauli. 3. Hotel Pinewood, Barog. 4. Hotel Yamuna, Paonta Sahib. 5. Hotel Renuka, Renukaji. 6. Hotel Peach Blossom, Fagu. 7. Hotel Golf Glade, Naldehra. 8. Hotel Mamleshwar, Chindi. 9. Hotel Baghal, Darlaghat. 10. Hotel Hatu, Narkanda. 11. Hotel Bushar Regency, Rampur 12. Hotel Shrikhand, Sarahan. 13. Hotel Chanshal, Rohm. 14. Hotel Kinner Kailash, Kalpa (Kinnaur) 15. Hotel Hill Top, Swarghat (Bilaspur) 16. Hotel Mandav, Mandi. 17. Hotel Uhl, Jogindemagar. 18. Hotel Silvermoon, KuUu. 19. Hotel Sarvari, Kullu. 20. Hotel Kunzam, Hamta, Manali. 21. Hotel Hadimba, Rohtang Manalsu, Manali. 22. Hotel Chanderbhaga, Keylong (Lahaul) 23. Hotel Hamir, Hamirpur. 24. Hotel Jawalaji, Jwalamukhi. 25. Hotel Dhauladhar, Yatri Niwas, Kashmir House, Dharamshala. 26. Hotel Bhagsu, McLeodganj. 81

15 27. Hotel Yatri Niwas, Chamunda. 28. Hotel T. Bud, Palampur. 29. Hotel Manimahesh, Dalhousie. 30. Hotel Devdar, Khajjiar. 31. Hotel Travati, Chamba. (C) Budget Hotels: 1. Tourist Inn, Kiarighat. 2. Hotel Himneel, Chail. 3. Tourist Lodge, Kaza (Spiti) 4. Hotel Tourist Inn, Rewalsar. 5. Tourist Hut, Kasol. 6. Hotel Beas and Tourist Lodge, Manali. 7. Tourist Bunglow, Keylong. 8. Hotel Geetanjali, Dalhousie. 9. Hotel Champak, Chamba. 10. Yatri Niwas, Chintpurni. 11. Yatri Niwas, Chamunda. 12. Hotel Deothsidh, Shahtalai, Hamirpur. List of cafe of H.P.T.D.C. 1. Goofa Ashiana, Shimla. 2. Cafe Lalit, Kufri. 3. Cafe Satluj, Rampur. 4. Cafe Shiwalik, Parwanoo. 5. Cafe Lake View, Bilaspur. 6. Cafe Neugal, Palampur. 7. Cafe Ravi view, Chamba. 8. Cafe Chandertal, Manali. 9. Cafe Club House, Manali. 82

16 3.5 THRUST AREAS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD. In order to achieve the objectives of H.P.T.D.C. Ltd., the corporation has identified thrust areas for action and follow up some of which are as follows: Rural Tourism: The fruits of tourism must percolate down to the rural areas in order that it is truly sustainable and responsible. For this the corporation purposes that: Rural tourism villages are identified and notified by the corporation. The precondition for declaring these as RT villages would be that they must predominantly have traditional architecture and an MOU would be signed with the Panchayat that this would be maintained. The villagers may modify their houses internally but they must maintain their traditional outer facade. For the sake of easier marketing these villages must be near to the existing tourist centre which will also ensure dispersal of tourist to the rural areas and promote decongestion. These would be dovetailed with the Govt. Of India Ministry of Tourism Scheme under which funding is available up to Rs. 5 Lacs. This would be used to create infrastructure like roads, streets, drainage, lighting, parking, bus stand, water supply, sanitation, tourist reception centre, rural museum, open air theater, parks, nature trails, crafts bazaar, etc. This could also be funded form the corporation funds. It such notified villages there would be no luxury tax or commercial rates for electricity up to 5 bed room home stead. 83

17 The existing schemes of the corporation. Would be reviewed and efforts would be made to provide funds for renovating the homesteads and providing grant/loans to the weaker section of the society. The corporation would actively work with the Department of Rural Development and nationalized banks for tying up in this regard. The government purposes that in these home stead Himachali/Local food will be served. Linkage would be sought to promote local handicrafts and cultural troupes. The procedure for registration of village tourism guest houses shall be simplified and adequate publicity given to the facilities available. The above scheme would be made applicable mutus mutandi to Heritage and Orchard tourism. The state has a number of old palaces, forts, havelis and other beautiful buildings in rural areas which if properly developed could become important tourist destinations themselves. The government shall encourage the development of such sites for use as tourist accommodation and such new heritage hotels located in rural areas shall be exempted from the luxury tax for a period of five years. The government would endeavor to associate the Archeological Survey of India and private sector in the development of such sites. Shimla evokes memories linked to the Raj, the freedom movement and in more recent time's events such as the "Shimla Agreement". A monumental testimony of the times of the Raj are buildings like the Viceregal Lodge, which now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, the Gaiety Theatre, and more than hundred other heritage 84

18 buildings. Tourism Corporation will endeavor to preserve these heritage buildings including churches and graves and promote nostalgia tourism linked to the colonial and freedom struggle era. Apple and orchard tourism is also an area of focus as in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, and parts of Mandi district traditional farm houses could be converted into home steads wherein the tourists could enjoy the beauty right from apple blossom to harvesting. Apple festival celebrated annually would be continued with active involvement of the Horticulture Deptt and the Hotel Association. The Corporation will co-ordinate with the watershed/livelihood related projects like Mid-Himalaya Watershed Development Project funded by World Bank so that rural/eco tourism can be furthered in these project areas Eco Tourism: Himachal offers a new era of nature enjoyment and learning. It also provides visitors an excellent exposure to the temperate forests. This makes it an ideal area for developing eco-tourism activities like jungle safaris, trekking, rock climbing, forest trails, nature walks, angling (esp. golden mahaseer and brown trout), camping etc. All these activities are to be conducted in a manner that promotes awareness of the environment and helps meiintain the ecological balance. The eco tourism projects being predominantly situated in forest lands are technically under the forest department which has already formulated an eco tourism policy in consultation with the tourism department, under this eco tourism societies have been established on CBET (community based eco tourism basis) to cover the Great 85

19 Himalayan National Park (Kullu), Himalayan Nature Park (Shimla), Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary (Sirmour), and Potter's Hill Van Vihar (Shimla). The government will harness the tourism potential of forests in the state by developing camping sites with basic infrastructure facilities and other public convenience services. A nominal fee shall also be determined by the Government for the use of camping site for the maintenance and for the conservation of these forests. T^he private parties shall be encouraged for setting up of such camping sites on environment friendly basis. The government will endeavor to open forest rest houses for the tourists through the society. These would be run on community based eco tourism tenets of through public private partnership with companies with good track record of working in Eco-Tourism Wildlife Tourism Wildlife tourism is an integral part of eco tourism. Himachal Pradesh has a varied topography, climate and forest cover and is endowed with a vast variety of flora and fauna. At present there are 32 sanctuaries, 2 National Parks, and 2 Game reserves. The sanctuaries include Simbalwara (Sirmour), Churdhar, Chail (Solan), Maharana Pratap Sagar (Kangra), Manali (Kullu), Kanwar (Kullu), Kalatop Khajjiar (Chamba) and Darlaghat (Shimla). The national parks are pin valley national park, Spiti and the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, the nature parks are at Kufri (Shimla), Manali (Kullu) and Gopalpur (Kangra). The tourism department proposes to work actively with the wild life wing of the forest department to further develop and improve wild life parks/zoos, bird watching towers and other public utility services for the facility of the tourists. A reasonable fee shall be determined by the government for use of such parks/zoos for its maintenance. 86

20 Development of lakes and wetlands Development of lakes and wetlands is also part of eco tourism. The state government will make special efforts to make natural and man made lakes as important tourist destinations. Steps will be taken to maintain and enhance their beauty by undertaking development in an integrated manner. Facilities for water sports in Maharana Pratap Sagar, Chamera and Gobind Sagar will be developed to international standard and national and international level events will also be organized to popularize these destinations. Maharana Pratap Sagar will be developed as a world class water sports destination with the financial assistance of the central government in order to develop activities like water sports, angling, bird watching, setting up of house boats, development of artificial beaches etc. The government will also encourage the private sector to set up houseboats and operate shikaras in the Maharana Pratap Sagar. Improvement of the forest rest houses will also be carried out in the area and will also be made available to the tourists in order to accommodate them Pilgrimage Tourism Himachal has emerged as an important pilgrim destination. A large number of religious tourists visit sacred shrines of Himachal Pradesh through out the year. A large number of religious places for people of almost all religions are situated in the state. The state government propose to develop wayside/civic amenities, parkings, landscaping and beautification around the temple, Sulabh Shauchalyas, drinking water, garbage disposal etc. at these religious places in coordination with the temple trusts on the lines of Vaishnoo Devi Trust. During important festivals special measures will be taken up for the safety and security of the tourists like setting up of information centres, tented colonies to accommodate tourists and to deploy tourist police force on the lines of Vaishnoo Devi. As a deliberate policy of corporation will make efforts to 87

21 integrate the important temples of Himachal with Vaishnoo Devi in J85K or the Chaar Dhaam in Uttranchal. The corporation will work in coordination with the Deptt. of Language Art and Culture and also the Temple Trusts so that tourist information centers are established in all the major temples and run by the temple trusts Adventure Tourism The corporation will make comprehensive adventure tourism promotion plan for the state and shall lay down the regulatory framework for enforcement of safety standards. For the promotion of adventure sports, the corporation will impart training in different sports to the youths. International competitions in such sports will be organized for attracting participants not only from the country but also from the abroad in coordination with the Deptt. of Sports. The c orporation will support all efforts to promote and set up adventure sports at various locations in order to train more youths in paragliding, rafting, water sports, angling, skiing, mountaineering, motor sports etc. in coordination with WHMI Manali and the state level associations. The corporation will help WHMI in setting up more sub centers in the state to take adventure tourism the hitherto unexplored places. It will assist in training the local youth in adventure tourism so that they also benefit through employment and other means. Similarly it will work at tandem with forest department and the eco tourism societies to meet the above ends. The state was the first and continues to be the only state, which has heli-skiing in the country. This attracts foreigners and quality tourists with paying capacity to some of the best powder snows that the world can offer. The experience in this venture has been very positive despite the initial apprehensions about possible disturbances to the 88

22 environment and fauna. It is proposed to expand the concept of heliskiing by introducing activities like heli-skiing and cross-country skiing. Conventional skiing and setting up of more ski lifts and ski resorts in the public private partnership will be a major thrust area. The Chanshal range beyond Rohru which has great potential will specially be explored. The state started promoting paragliding from 1984 onwards. Himachal is now the leading states in the country in this field. Bir Billing in Kangra, Solang and Marhi in KuUu, Bilaspur, Kasauli etc will be continue as important centres of the sport. More areas will be explored and opened up with the objective of providing a source of livelihood to the local youth. The Bir Billing pre world cup event will continue to be an annual event. A paragliding school will be opened at Dhelu. Bir Billing will be developed over the years into a top class paragliding destination internationally. Similarly trekking and adventure sports activities will be undertaken on large scale through WHMI on sustainable basis especially during the holiday season for school and college students. The corporation will continue to hold annual events of as many adventure sports activities as possible through their respective associations-paragliding, river rafting, sailing, mountain biking, endurance events, marathons, motoring events, wintage car rallies (biannually) etc. The objective is that eventually all these events must become self sustainable. One of the major aims in this area will be to get the latest technology in the field of adventure sports in terms of equipments and know how to be it skiing, ropeway projects, water sports or paragliding. 89

23 All PPP projects in this field of adventure tourism will have this as a necessary precondition Promoting Unexplored Himachal The main tourism circuits in Himachal are fairly well known and even remote districts like Lahual-Spiti and Kinnaur are now becoming popular destinations to relax and unwind. Himachal also has many undiscovered spots with unspoiled charm that are worth a visit for a quiet rewarding holiday spent amidst the splendor of nature away from the crowds. The state government will made special efforts to develop unexplored destinations with the assistance of central governmcni lo improve the sanitation, roads, parkings, toilets, accommodation, beautification and landscaping of tourist interest places, wayside amenities etc. Efforts will be made to keep these new areas neat and clean and only limited construction will be allowed, so that these areas may not become over saturated and the construction so allowed will preserve the architecture and ecology of the state. Some of these areas include: Lahual Spiti Kinnaur Jhanjheli Jot Chamba Rajgarh and Choor Nahan Chindi Barot/Jatingari Rohru Chanshal Sareihan and Bashal Dhar 90

24 Ever since the opening up of tirbal/border areas of Himachal Pradesh to foreigners, the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting these tribal areas has increased manifold. Lahoul Spiti and Kinnaur districts have emerged as important destinations. Yet compared to the potential it is just a trickle. There areas being enormously rich in culture the effort would be to invite culturally conscious tourists who enjoy the quality and difference of experience. Preservation of the cultural uniqueness of these areas therefore will remain the prime concern of the government. The government will only allow such construction, which preserves the architecture and ecology of the area. The private sector will continue to be encouraged to set up guest houses for which subsidy will be provided form the state budget. Tented accommodation will be encouraged with local participation so that maximum benefits accrue to the local economy. The centuries old monasteries are also being upgraded where foreign tourists show lot of interest. Tourism councils will be set up under the tourism act 2000 in these areas so that some fee is charged form the trekkers/tourists the proceeds of which will go to the local panchayats for the maintenance and upkeep of the tourism related infrastructure and for regulating tourism on sustainable basis. The corporation will take up the opening up of tribal/border areas further so that the present restrictions on travel in the inner line area are removed. The Manali Leh route which has alfeady become a favorite for both domestic as well as international tourists will be further improved in coordination with the govt, of J8BK and efforts would be made to link it to the Buddhist Circuits of Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti-Udaipur-Pangi and Palampur-Dharamshala-Dalhousie. 91

25 Health Tourism There is tremendous scope to set up spas, health resorts, recuperative centres, etc. all over the state. Himachal Pradesh has an enormous wealth of medicinal plants. Herbal gardens, herbal trails will be developed as tourist attractions. The corporation in collaboration with department of Indian System of Medicine, Department of Ayurveda and Forests will organize such tours which will further develop awareness and interest about medicinal plants amongst the school children and tourists. The government also proposes to develop spa/health resorts in association with private sector at various locations in the state. The government will also harness the potential of Panchkarma and start it in a big way in the state in order to attract large number of tourist for Panchkarma treatment. Training the youth in Panchkarma will be undertaken through the Deptt. of Ayurveda who will then be employed in spas and health resorts Arts Crafts and Souvenir Promotion of local art and culture and generation of income of employment through it is major component of the thrust area. The stale government shall endeavor to encourage the development of souvenir industry linked to local crafts, events and places which would promote a distinctive image of the state both within and without the state. The private sector will also be encouraged to patronize and promote local folk, culture and crafts for the visiting tourists. Development of souvenir industry including standardized packaging is of utmost importance for which leading institutions and voluntary organizations in the country like NIFD, NIFT, Auroville, Tilonia etc will be actively engaged^. 92

26 REFERENCES 1. Memorandum of Association, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. 2. Articles of Association, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. 3. Head Office of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., The Ritz Annexe, The Mall Shimla. 93