Himachal witnesses highest tourists in 6 years: Over 1.6 crore visit state in 6 months of 2023

After a big slump in Covid period, Himachal Pradesh has now experienced its highest footfall in the past six years, with the number of tourists crossing the one-crore mark within the first six months of this year. As per a ToI report, the state welcomed a total of 1.6 crore visitors as of June, comprising 99,78,504 domestic tourists and 28,239 foreign tourists.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state has successfully positioned itself as an all-season destination, garnering international attention and attracting travelers from around the world to experience its captivating landscapes. With this impressive achievement, the state government has set an ambitious target of annually welcoming five crore tourists.

To achieve this goal, Himachal Pradesh is actively focusing on developing Kangra as its tourism capital. A substantial investment of Rs 3,000 crore has been earmarked for this project in the near future, according to Sukhu. Additionally, improving road and air connectivity remains a top priority, with a special emphasis on expanding the Kangra airport and establishing heliports in all districts.


The chief minister emphasized that sustainability lies at the core of the state's tourism vision. Himachal Pradesh is committed to promoting green tourism to ensure a safe and pollution-free environment. The aim is to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people while preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region.