CM Sukhu Chairs First Meeting of Tourism Investment Promotion Council, Pushes for Fast-Track Approvals for Big Projects.
Shimla
In a significant move aimed at boosting large-scale tourism development in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Tourism Investment Promotion Council. The Council has been formed to facilitate and expedite tourism projects involving investments above Rs. 50 crore, underscoring the State Government’s intent to transform Himachal Pradesh into a premier investment destination.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister issued clear directives to officers from seven key departments to ensure that all proposals under this category are processed within 30 days. Stressing on the urgency of simplifying the investment process, he noted that the tourism sector remains the backbone of Himachal’s economy, providing livelihood to thousands of families, especially in rural and remote areas.
Streamlining Approvals and Digitizing Processes
CM Sukhu emphasized the Government’s commitment to streamline and digitize the approval process for tourism-related projects. While acknowledging that departments may continue to function offline temporarily, he revealed that a fully digital, single-window clearance system is in the pipeline and will be implemented soon.
He also directed departments to prepare a common checklist for investors, ensuring that all queries and document requirements are raised only once, in order to prevent bureaucratic delays and redundant communication. “We must remove hurdles, not create them,” he stated, reiterating that a hassle-free process would encourage more entrepreneurs and corporates to explore investment in the State.
Himachal Pradesh: A Destination for Investors
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s unique appeal as a tourism hub with rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities, the Chief Minister said that the State is “investment-friendly” and several reputed companies have already shown keen interest in investing in large-scale tourism ventures.
“The State Government will provide all possible support to investors to help them set up their ventures with ease and confidence,” he assured. The initiative is expected to pave the way for high-value tourism infrastructure, including luxury resorts, wellness retreats, adventure parks, eco-tourism projects, and heritage circuits.
Key Officials in Attendance
The meeting was attended by several top-level officials including:
Raghubir Singh Bali, Chairman of HPTDC
Anil Kapil, Advisor (Infrastructure)
Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary
K.K. Pant, Additional Chief Secretary
Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary to the Chief Minister
Vivek Bhatia, Director (Tourism)
Sanjay Sood, PCCF (HoFF)
Along with other senior officers from concerned departments. The formation of the Tourism Investment Promotion Council and the Chief Minister’s proactive leadership marks a pivotal step towards positioning Himachal Pradesh as a preferred destination for high-value tourism investment, with a clear focus on sustainable development, job creation, and economic diversification.
