Himachal CM Calls for Streamlined Approvals to Boost Tourism Investment

In a major step towards accelerating tourism-led growth in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to fast-track approvals for high-value investments in the state’s tourism sector. Chairing the first meeting of the newly formed Tourism Investment Promotion Council, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of simplifying processes to encourage private participation and enhance the state’s economic potential.

Fast-Tracking Tourism Investments

The Chief Minister has instructed that all proposals involving investments of over ₹50 crore in the tourism sector must be processed within 30 days. This directive, he noted, will ensure that projects do not face unnecessary delays, enabling entrepreneurs and investors to move forward with confidence.

Tourism, which Sukhu described as the mainstay of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, provides livelihood opportunities to thousands of families across the state. With the right support mechanisms, the sector has the potential to attract large-scale investments and create sustainable jobs.

Digital-First Approach for Approvals

Highlighting the government’s commitment to ease of doing business, Sukhu announced that the approval process for tourism projects will soon be digitised. While departments may continue functioning in offline mode temporarily, the Chief Minister assured that a fully digital, transparent, and efficient system will be rolled out in the near future.

This initiative, he added, would not only improve efficiency but also build investor trust by reducing procedural bottlenecks and enhancing transparency.

Tourism as an Economic Backbone

Himachal Pradesh has long been a preferred destination for domestic and international travelers, thanks to its natural beauty, adventure offerings, and cultural heritage. The state government now aims to leverage this advantage by providing investors with a more enabling environment.

“The state government was committed to promoting tourism by simplifying and digitising the approval process for new projects. For the time being, departments may function offline, but a fully digital system will be introduced shortly,” Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized.

With the Tourism Investment Promotion Council taking shape and the government’s clear focus on simplifying processes, Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself as a strong hub for tourism investment. The Chief Minister’s push for faster approvals and digitisation is expected to unlock a new wave of development projects, strengthening the state’s tourism infrastructure and global appeal.