HP bags award of best tourist destination

The award would be presented by Safari India on August 18 next in New Delhi, he said.

"Strengthening the tourism infrastructure in the state and adventurous activities like paragliding, river-rafting, skiing, trekking and mountaineering were being conducted for the adventure enthusiasts. Bir-Billing in the district Kangra is one of the best sites for paragliding in the world," Roy said.

He said tourist inflow in the year, 2011 was 1.50 crore including 4.84 lakh foreign tourists and the focus of the government was now on dispersion of tourist traffic to rural, unexplored and lesser known places.

He said eco-tourism like camping sites, eco huts, trek routes were also being set up in the state besides upgrading the infrastructure in an eco and environment friendly manner.