Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s government’s efforts to promote tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand are bearing fruit. Over 230 million tourists have arrived in Uttarakhand in the past three years. This has supported the livelihoods of homestay, hotel, and dhaba operators, women’s self-help groups, and transportation businesses.
Due to the state government’s efforts, tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand are steadily increasing. According to Tourism Department data, over 230 million tourists have arrived in Uttarakhand in the last three years. Significantly, Uttarakhand’s tourism has now become multifaceted. Tourists are no longer limited to major cities and select hill stations, but are also visiting remote smaller tourist destinations. Additionally, participation in adventure activities like rafting, trekking, bungee jumping, and mountaineering has increased, not only from domestic but also from foreign tourists. Due to this, the benefits of tourism are directly reaching millions of people in the state. This includes hotel, restaurant, homestay operators, transport businesses, and women’s self-help groups.
Currently, over 6,000 homestay operators in the state have directly benefited from the increased tourism activity. Pilgrimage activities in the state have also increased significantly. This year, the number of pilgrims for the Char Dham Yatra alone has reached 5 million. More than 4,300 horse and mule operators provided their services on the Kedarnath and Yamunotri walking routes. The state government is now promoting winter pilgrimages as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash has also rapidly increased pilgrimage and tourism in the border region of Pithoragarh.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says that tourism is the foundation of Uttarakhand’s economy. Tourism and pilgrimage directly benefit the local people. Therefore, the government is striving to continue tourism and pilgrimage activities throughout the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits have boosted pilgrimage and tourism in Uttarakhand.
