Himachal invites investment in hotels

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Saturday invited investment in the state's hospitality industry.

"We can facilitate big hoteliers by either providing them land on lease or by identifying suitable land for them to construct hotels," he said.

Presiding over the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board (HPTDB) meeting, Virbhadra Singh expressed happiness over Unesco heritage status for the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district.

"It would certainly go a long way in promoting tourism in the state," said the chief minister.

The hospitality industry contributes 9.75 percent to the gross domestic product of the state.

On the Jakhu ropeway project being constructed in the state capital by Jagson Ropeways Company, the chief minister asked it to complete the project without delay.

He also proposed for construction of another ropeway from Sarahan to Bashal Manda in Shimla district and said it was a picturesque spot from tourism point of view from where people could trek over to Bhaba valley of Kinnaur.

"To encourage the hospitality industry in hard and tribal areas and in backward panchayats, the government has exempted the new hotel units from luxury tax for 10 years," he added.

HPTDB vice-chairman Vijay Singh Mankotia said that conclaves and seminars in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry would be held to invite hoteliers to invest in the state.

He stressed upon renovating and re-constructing the ancient temples in the state.