On the occasion of World Tourism Day in Shimla district, tourists were welcomed with garlands on their arrival through Shimla Kalka rail.
District Tourism Development Officer Jagdish Sharma stated that thousands of tourists visit Shimla daily. Therefore, tourists were welcomed at the railway station. Tourism-related promotional materials were also distributed at Mall Road, Victory Tunnel, and The Lift.
He said that World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27th. Its purpose is to promote the importance of tourism globally and highlight its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism boosts local and national economies, creating new employment opportunities. Besides promoting local businesses, tourism also introduces cultural diversity. This year, the theme of World Tourism Day 2025 is “Tourism and Sustainable Change.”
The main purpose of this day is to inspire people to travel and discover new places, thereby promoting unity and understanding in the global community. On World Tourism Day, encourage your friends, relatives, and loved ones to travel.
He said that the state government has implemented several schemes to strengthen the tourism industry. The state government has approved the Chief Minister’s Tourism Startup Scheme for the hospitality sector with the aim of promoting tourism and creating self-employment opportunities. Under this scheme, financial relief will be provided on loans for setting up new tourism units and expanding and upgrading existing homestay units. The scheme provides an interest subsidy of up to three percent in urban areas, four percent in rural areas, and five percent in tribal areas. This facility will be available for a maximum period of three years and for loans up to Rs 2 crore. This scheme is only for bonafide Himachalis. Homestays are an affordable alternative to expensive hotels for tourists. They offer better facilities and attract tourists to stay in rural areas for longer periods. This scheme will play a vital role in promoting tourism in culturally rich rural areas, creating self-employment, and strengthening the state’s economy.
