Himachal CM Sukhu Fast-Tracks Digital Push in Tourism — Home Stay Portal to Go Live in 10 Days

Shimla, October 25:
In a decisive move to digitize Himachal’s tourism landscape, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to launch an online portal for Home Stay registration within ten days. Chairing a review meeting on tourism projects, the CM emphasized that technology must drive the next phase of the State’s tourism growth.

He further instructed departments to float tenders for hiring skilled software firms to develop user-friendly online systems across all government departments, ensuring faster and more transparent services.

All payments at HPTDC hotels, GAD guesthouses, and departmental rest houses, including food bills, will soon be made completely online, the Chief Minister said, calling for “seamless digital convenience for every tourist.”

To enhance infrastructure quality, the CM also ordered the empanelment of professional architects for ADB and Tourism Development Board projects, directing that the process be advertised within ten days.

“There should be no administrative hurdles in promoting tourism. Processes must be simplified for ease of doing business,” said Sukhu.

The meeting also discussed proposed changes to the Tourism Investment Promotion Council (TIPC) rules, with the CM suggesting inclusions for hotels under construction. He further called for expediting the revival and efficient operation of loss-making HPTDC units to better serve visitors.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Devesh Kumar, Director Tourism Vivek Bhatia, OSD to CM Gopal Sharma, and other senior officials were present during the meeting.