Film units visit the state throughout the year and the single window clearance system would not only facilitate such activities but also boost tourism, he said while inaugurating the five-day long exhibition organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be organising Mega Mart as an annual feature during summers to entertain and exhibit products besides giving boost to tourism promotion activities.
Dhumal said that Himachal had been allowed a 10-year tax holiday for opening and running hotels in tribal and remote areas with a view to give a boost to tourism activities in virgin and hitherto unexplored areas.
The 'Home Stay' scheme had been successful and 403 units have so far been registered. A large number of tourists are visiting rural areas and enjoying their stay away from hustle and bustle of overcrowded cities, he said.
The government was making a serious endeavour to create best possible infrastructural failities to attract high end tourists and participation of private sector was vital for this purpose.
Dhumal demanded subsidised helicopter services in the state on the lines of northeastern states to facilitate tourists to hop from onee destination to other and visit more places during a short stay.
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He said that heli-taxi service introduced by the government was gradually picking up.
He said that matter of expanding existing airports at Shimla, Kangra and Kullu-Manali had been taken up with the Centre.
The Chief Minister demanded construction of Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Barmana broad gauge railway line as a time bound project and that it be extended to Leh and Ladakh as a strategically important railway line.
Dhumal welcomed delegates from different parts of the country, especially from Pakistan and said that such initiatives would improve bilateral ties and give boost to trade and tourism.
Chief Secretary S Roy said that the state was vying to emerge as a Green Tourism Destination and the government was very circumspect in allowing industrial units to set up base in the state.
Scot Slessor, Counsul General of Canada, appreciated the initiatives of the state towards environment protection by banning use of plastic.
He lauded achievements of the state in tourism and allied sectors and assured all help from Canadian Government in boosting tourism.