CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates Winter Tourism Conclave in Uttarkashi, announcing plans to develop Uttarakhand as a 12-month tourism state and India’s Natural Healing Destination, boosting winter tourism, employment, and responsible travel.
Winter Tourism Conclave Is Not a Formality, but a Collective Mission to Make Uttarakhand a 12-Month Tourism State: CM Dhami
Uttarakhand to Emerge as India’s ‘Natural Healing Destination’; Immense Potential Beyond Char Dham in Wellness, Adventure & Sustainable Tourism
Tourism Will Curb Migration from Hills, Ensure Year-Round Livelihood for Homestays, Hotels, Taxis and Local Youth
Uttarkashi:
In a significant initiative to promote winter Char Dham pilgrimage and winter tourism activities while connecting local communities with year-round employment, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a three-day Winter Tourism Conclave on Wednesday in Uttarkashi.
Addressing the conclave, the Chief Minister stated that the winter tourism conference is not merely a formal dialogue, but a collective effort to redefine Uttarakhand’s tourism landscape and transform the state into a 12-month tourism destination.
Participation of 150 Tour Operators from Across India
The conclave is being organized with the support of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI). It witnessed participation from 50 tour operators from different states across the country, along with 50 operators at the state level and 50 at the local level. Representatives from the Hotel Association of Uttarkashi and Barkot, as well as registered members of trekking organizations from Uttarkashi and Sankri, actively participated in the event.
As part of the three-day program, tour operators will visit Mukba (winter abode of Goddess Ganga), Kharsali (winter seat of Goddess Yamuna), and Kedarkantha Trek Base Camp at Sankri, gaining firsthand experience of Uttarakhand’s winter tourism potential.
Uttarakhand to Become a ‘Natural Healing Destination’
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted that major cities across the country are grappling with pollution, rising temperatures, traffic congestion, and mental stress. In such a scenario, Uttarakhand, with its pristine environment and spiritual energy, has the potential to emerge as India’s leading “Natural Healing Destination.”
He emphasized that Uttarakhand is no longer limited to the Char Dham Yatra alone, but is steadily evolving into a hub for wellness, yoga, meditation, nature-based tourism, adventure, culture, and sustainable tourism.
Year-Round Tourism Will Prevent Migration from Hills
The Chief Minister underlined that the core objective of the Winter Tourism Policy is to ensure that:
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Hill villages do not become deserted
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Hotels remain operational throughout the year
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Taxis are not left idle
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Homestays remain occupied
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Youth are not forced to migrate in search of employment
He stated that when tourism remains active for all 12 months, it will significantly strengthen the state’s economy and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural and mountainous areas.
Government’s Full Support on Permissions, Connectivity & Marketing
Assuring stakeholders of the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said the state government will provide complete support in permissions, connectivity, infrastructure development, and marketing.
He added that the Tourism Department is further strengthening the Single Window System, digital approvals, and fast-track support mechanisms for investors and tourism entrepreneurs.
Tourism Must Benefit the Last Person in the Village
Chief Minister Dhami stressed that tourism should not be confined to large hotels and resorts alone. Tourism becomes meaningful only when:
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A village woman’s homestay is fully booked
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Local youth earn through taxi services
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Mountain youth become trekking guides
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Folk artists receive platforms
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Farmers sell local produce directly to tourists
To achieve this, the government has simplified the Homestay Policy, linked women through the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, launched local guide training programs, and integrated “Vocal for Local” with tourism development.
Responsible Tourism, Not Destructive Development
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government seeks development, but not at the cost of environmental degradation or cultural erosion.
He said that environment conservation, preservation of local culture, and inclusion of the last person in tourism benefits form the foundation of Uttarakhand’s Responsible Tourism Model.
He urged tour operators to include destinations such as Uttarkashi, Harsil, Mukba, Nelang, Chamoli, Auli, Munsiyari, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and border villages in their travel packages, assuring full government support.
Uttarakhand Fully Prepared for Tourism Investment
Delivering a message to youth and investors, Chief Minister Dhami stated that Uttarakhand is fully prepared for tourism investment, as tourism here is not just a business, but the largest engine of employment generation.
He emphasized, “Our goal is to give every village an identity and ensure employment for every hand.”
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Gangotri MLA Suresh Chauhan, Purola MLA Durgeshwar Lal, State Minister Ram Sundar Nautiyal, Jagat Singh Chauhan, BJP State Vice President Dr. Swaraj Vidwan, State Media In-charge Manveer Chauhan, Garhwal Coordinator Kishore Bhatt, BJP District President Nagendra Chauhan, former MLA Vijaypal Sajwan, District Magistrate Prashant Arya, SP Kamlesh Upadhyay, CDO Jayabharat Singh, Registrar NIM Vishal Ranjan, District Tourism Development Officer K.K. Joshi, along with senior officials, public representatives, and tourism stakeholders.
