Government Considers Shifting HPTDC Office to Dharamshala; Rs. 250 Crore Allocated for Property Renovation: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
In a bid to harness the tourism potential of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Monday that the state government is exploring the possibility of relocating the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) office from Shimla to Dharamshala. The move comes as part of the government’s strategy to declare Kangra as the “Tourism Capital” of the state, aiming to boost tourism in the region.
During a review of HPTDC’s progress, CM Sukhu highlighted the corporation’s remarkable achievement of a Rs. 105 crore turnover for the financial year 2023-24. He reassured that the state government is committed to ensuring HPTDC’s growth and profitability.
The CM also revealed that the government would allocate Rs. 250 crore for the renovation and restoration of 11 key HPTDC properties. The restoration will be carried out in phases, ensuring the properties are equipped to cater to increasing tourism demand.
Additionally, Sukhu emphasized the need for HPTDC to expand its online presence by collaborating with major travel platforms like MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip for hotel bookings, and partnering with food delivery services such as Swiggy and Zomato to enhance restaurant visibility.
He also suggested the introduction of Panchkarma wellness services in five HPTDC properties in collaboration with the Ayush Department. To further boost tourism, the CM proposed the launch of food trucks in high-footfall tourist areas and unique dining experiences, including flying dining and glass restaurants, particularly in Manali.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, MLA Sudarshan Babloo, Principal Secretary Tourism Devesh Kumar, and Managing Director HPTDC Rajiv Kumar.
