Dehradun : The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami Sarkar, has unveiled a new plan to boost employment opportunities by increasing investments in the tourism sector of the state. The new tourism policy will provide subsidies ranging from 25 to 50 percent for investments in the tourism sector, and up to 100 percent for new sectors of tourism. The policy is effective until 2030, and the government’s goal is to develop the state’s tourism sector by increasing investments within seven years.
To achieve this, the state has been divided into three categories, and the subsidy will be distributed accordingly. A-category cities will receive a 25 percent subsidy, B-category cities will receive a 35 percent subsidy, and C-category cities will receive a 50 percent subsidy. The policy will offer less subsidy to developed areas that already have a thriving tourism industry, and more subsidy to areas with untapped potential for tourism. This will help to create more employment and self-employment opportunities, especially in the underdeveloped regions of the state.
To prepare the aggressive tourism policy, international consultants from Global McKenzie created a blueprint that focused on untapped regions of the state with immense potential. These regions include Chakrata, Kalsi of Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Champawat.
The policy provides subsidies ranging from 25 to 50 percent for various tourism-related activities, such as parking lots at perpetual sites, ropeways, floating resorts, heritage hotels, health resorts, tourist villages, and more. Additionally, a 100 percent subsidy will be given for activities such as hillium and hot air balloon, electric vehicle taxi operation, helicopter rides, water planes, and more.
The policy also includes a provision to give 100 percent exemption in stamp duty for making new hotels and resorts. There will also be incentives for marketing, promotion, skill training, waste treatment, heli services, and attracting foreign tourists.
Furthermore, the cabinet has made some amendments to the 2018 tourism policy. The general application form will now be considered as an eligibility certificate as soon as it receives theoretical approval. All the information and facilities related to doing business will be available on the website itself.
In conclusion, the new tourism policy in Uttarakhand aims to increase employment opportunities and promote investment in the state’s tourism sector. By offering subsidies for various tourism-related activities and exempting stamp duty for new hotels and resorts, the government hopes to attract more investors and tourists to the state.
