Himachal to Invest Up to ₹15,000 Crore in Tourism Sector Over Next Five Years.
Chief Minister announces focus on high-end tourism, airport expansion and heliport connectivity; honours winners of Koti Golf Cup-2026.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state government is planning to invest between ₹10,000 crore and ₹15,000 crore in the tourism sector over the next five years to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve air connectivity and promote high-end tourism across the state.
The Chief Minister made this announcement while presiding over the closing ceremony of the Koti Golf Cup-2026, organised at the Naldehra Golf Course in Shimla district on October 24 and 25. More than 80 players participated in the tournament. On the occasion, Sukhu presented trophies to the winners and felicitated them for their achievements.
Emphasising the importance of improved air connectivity in attracting high-end tourists, the Chief Minister said the government was taking several steps to strengthen aviation infrastructure and make travel to Himachal Pradesh more convenient.
He said ₹3,000 crore was being spent on land acquisition for the expansion of Kangra Airport. Additionally, the state government was providing ₹35 crore under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism to support flight operations in the state.
The government was also working towards connecting all district headquarters through heliport facilities. Efforts were underway to introduce connecting flights from Shimla to improve accessibility for tourists and facilitate travel within the state.
Sukhu said the expansion of Kangra Airport would enable the operation of larger aircraft, which would help increase tourist arrivals and provide further impetus to tourism-related activities across Himachal Pradesh.
60 Eco-Tourism Sites Leased Out
Highlighting the government’s initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, the Chief Minister said 60 eco-tourism sites had been leased out, generating revenue of ₹22 crore for the state exchequer.
He described Naldehra Golf Course as one of Himachal Pradesh’s most scenic golfing destinations and appreciated the efforts being made to develop it as an attractive destination for tourists. He also acknowledged the contribution of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh towards the development of the golf course.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant, Sukhu said necessary policy changes were being undertaken to achieve this objective.
Recalling his student days, the Chief Minister said he used to visit the area during his college and university years.
Efforts to Make Naldehra Golf Course Self-Sustainable
Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said efforts were being made to make the Naldehra Golf Course financially self-sustainable.
He said the golf course had been opened to tourists and was attracting a large number of visitors. The state government had also provided ₹1.82 crore for its development.
The Koti Golf Cup-2026 brought together more than 80 players for the two-day tournament, highlighting the potential of golf as a sporting activity that can complement Himachal Pradesh’s tourism offerings.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Advocate General Anup Rattan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, and members and office-bearers of the Koti Golf Club and Naldehra Golf Club were also present at the closing ceremony.
