Dehradun: In a significant development for the tourism sector, the 24th board meeting of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDC) held in Dehradun approved a budget of ₹514 crore for the financial year 2026–27. The meeting focused on tourism development, employment generation, skill training, and the expansion of adventure tourism activities across the state.
Officials also reviewed ongoing tourism projects and assessed the progress of various development initiatives undertaken in previous years. Future planning frameworks for the sector were also discussed in detail.
Strengthening Tourism Infrastructure and Project Monitoring
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on improving ongoing tourism infrastructure projects and ensuring timely completion of development works. Discussions included a comprehensive review of current schemes and strategies to accelerate project execution across key tourist destinations in Uttarakhand.
The board also outlined future plans aimed at strengthening the state’s position as a leading tourism hub in India.
Workforce Expansion Through Outsourcing and Contract Hiring
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj announced that vacant posts in the department, pending for a long time, will be filled through outsourcing and contractual appointments.
He also highlighted the need to improve departmental efficiency by introducing training programs in IT, accounting, and management at both the tourism headquarters and district levels. These initiatives aim to enhance the working capacity of officials and employees engaged in tourism administration.
Development Plans for Major Religious and Tourist Destinations
The meeting also focused on the integrated development of key religious and tourist destinations in the state. Proposals were discussed for preparing comprehensive destination development plans for:
- Triyuginarayan
- Kainchi Dham
- Kartik Swami Temple
The objective is to improve tourist facilities, enhance infrastructure, and promote tourism activities at these spiritually significant locations.
Boost to Adventure Tourism in Uttarakhand
A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion on promoting adventure tourism in Uttarakhand. The 2026–27 adventure sports calendar was reviewed, featuring several high-profile events, including:
- Winter Carnival
- High-altitude mountaineering expeditions
- “Trek of the Year” initiative
- Ultra-marathon runs
- River rafting festivals
- Paragliding competitions
The government aims to attract both domestic and international tourists through these adventure-based events, strengthening Uttarakhand’s image as a premier adventure tourism destination.
Skill Development and Employment for Local Youth
The board placed strong emphasis on skill development and employment generation for local youth. Training programs will be conducted in various tourism-related fields such as:
- Homestay management
- Trekking and trekking operations
- Adventure sports
- Nature guiding
- River rafting
- Skiing and allied tourism services
These initiatives aim to create a skilled workforce and connect local youth with employment opportunities in the rapidly growing tourism sector.
Community Participation and Rural Economic Growth
The meeting also discussed improvements in trekking and trekking center schemes, along with measures to increase tourism investment in the state.
Authorities stressed the importance of increasing participation of local communities in tourism development. According to the board, greater community involvement will generate new employment opportunities and strengthen the rural economy.
Budget Allocation and Promotional Activities Approved
The board approved budget allocations for various activities, including:
- Tourism promotion campaigns
- Training programs
- Research and development initiatives
- Tourism fund utilization
- Income and expenditure planning
These measures aim to ensure structured and sustainable growth of the tourism sector in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Aims for Stronger Position in Global Tourism
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj stated that Uttarakhand has already established itself as one of the leading tourist destinations in India and across the world. He highlighted the continuously increasing number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham Yatra as well as the rising inflow of tourists in the state.
He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand’s tourism sector will grow even faster in the coming years and play an even stronger role in boosting the state’s economy.
