Himachal MP seeks Rs.100-crore central aid for tourism growth

New Delhi, July 18: Himachal Pradesh MP Pratibha Singh has sought a financial assistance of Rs.100 crore from the central government to develop tourism infrastructure in the state, an official statement said Thursday.

Pratibha Singh also urged the tourism ministry to run a special campaign under "Incredible India" to promote all Himalayan states, even in foreign countries. She added that special funds should be provided to these states for creating world-class tourism infrastructure and to promote eco-tourism.

The Himachal MP raised these issues during a meeting with union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi here Wednesday.

Chiranjeevi assured her that the central government would provide all logistic, technical and financial assistance to promote tourism in the state.

Himachal Pradesh attracted 1.61 crore tourists, including 497,850 foreigners, in 2012, a state tourism department report said.

At present, 2,169 hotels having a bed capacity of 55,928 are registered with the state, it said.

IANS