Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Manali Winter Carnival — 2026 in the tourist resort of Manali in Kullu district. The Chief Minister kicked off nearly 300 colorful tableaux showcasing the development activities of various departments. He announced a riverfront project in Manali costing Rs 250 crore to boost tourism, along with other infrastructure developments like additional rooms in the Circuit House and protective walls for flood protection.
Himachal Pradesh, known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad each year. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to organize grand events like the Winter Carnival at key tourist spots to enhance visitor experiences. Tourism plays a vital role in the state’s economy, and the government aims to position Himachal Pradesh as a global hub for various forms of tourism, including nature, religious, adventure, spiritual, and wellness tourism.
The state has been actively developing green Himachal biodiversity parks and riverside parks in urban and rural areas to support this vision. A new eco-tourism policy has been put into action, with several eco-tourism sites already allotted and more in the pipeline. This initiative not only boosts tourism but also fosters self-employment at the local level. Additionally, steps have been taken to promote trekking, with 245 trekking routes identified and a mobile application in progress for tourist convenience.
To further enhance tourism, the government has amended rules to encourage home stay tourism and introduced an interest subsidy scheme for home stay units. The scheme offers interest subsidies on investments up to Rs 5 crore for setting up new home stays or expanding existing ones in different areas. Ropeway projects are also being expedited with a focus on environmental conservation.
