In a strategic move to boost sustainable tourism and bring economic opportunities to lesser-explored regions, the Himachal Pradesh Government has initiated the development of 77 eco-tourism sites across 14 districts under its Eco-Tourism Policy 2024. The policy, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, aimed at not only attracting nature-loving tourists but also empower local communities and preserve the states fragile ecology.   According to the state officials, these eco-tourism sites are being developed in the districts of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, Bilaspur, Rampur, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur and Kinnaur (Rekong Peo). The government has already appointed eco-tourism operators at seven sites, including Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, Solang Nallah in Kullu, and Kasol in Parvati Valley, while the remaining sites are under phased development.   These eco-zones will offer tourists a chance to explore Himachals rich biodiversity through trekking, bird watching, forest camping, jungle walks, and nature interpretation trails. The sites are being equipped with basic infrastructure that blends with nature and follows sustainable building practices.   A key feature of the project is the integration of local communities. Eco-tourism committees have been constituted in each forest circle to oversee operations and ensure transparency. The Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society (HPECOSOC) has already trained over 70 eco-guides and 135 multi-purpose workers, with more training sessions planned to ensure local youth are ready to participate in and benefit from the tourism boom.   To make eco-tourism more accessible, the Government has introduced online booking for over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites, available through the HPECOSOC website. A Trekking Management System has also been developed with 245 routes mapped according to difficulty levels, and a mobile app is in the works to guide and assist tourists in real time.   With tourism contributing 7.78 percent to Himachals GSDP, and with over 1.81 crore tourists, including 82,000 foreign visitors in 2024, the state believed that this initiative will generate Rs 200 crore revenue in five years, while ensuring nature and culture are preserved for future generations.

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