Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India]: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Wednesday that the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has achieved a record profit of over Rs 100 crore for the first time in its history.
While chairing a meeting of the HPTDC and the Tourism Department, CM Sukhu hailed the milestone as a major achievement resulting from the committed efforts of the current state government.
He highlighted that HPTDC’s annual turnover rose from Rs 78 crore under the previous BJP-led government to Rs 107 crore under the current administration — despite facing multiple natural disasters.
This success was attributed to the efficient management of HPTDC’s hotels and restaurants, regular maintenance, and optimal use of assets.
CM Sukhu said:
“HPTDC has achieved the annual turnover from Rs 78 crore during the previous BJP Government regime to Rs 107 crore under the present state government despite facing the challenges posed by natural disasters in the State.”
He further noted that due to the improved profits, HPTDC was able to disburse Rs 41 crore in benefits to pensioners over the last two and a half years, compared to only Rs 26 crore disbursed in five years by the previous government.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to enhance services at HPTDC properties and consider leasing vacant properties to private players on an operation and maintenance basis.
He praised a recent agreement between HPTDC and the Food and Civil Supplies Corporation for the procurement of essential items such as groceries and rations for HPTDC hotels.
CM Sukhu also reviewed key development projects and called for their speedy execution to boost tourism revenue. He revealed that the State Government is investing Rs 2,415 crore in infrastructure upgrades, amenities, and adventure tourism to attract more visitors.
He directed the Tourism Department to:
- Provide food vans to locals.
- Launch Hop-on, Hop-off luxury buses on tourism routes.
- Complete construction of the Shivdham project in Mandi at the earliest.
- Enhance the beautification of Renuka Lake.
To improve air connectivity, CM Sukhu emphasized the fast-tracking of heliport operations and the expansion of airports in Kangra, Shimla, and Bhuntar.
The meeting was attended by HPTDC Chairman Raghuvir Singh Bali, MLA Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Tourism Director Vivek Bhatia, OSD to CM Gopal Sharma, and other senior officials.