Dehradun, June 17 (APAC Media): In a major push to the state’s tourism sector, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDC) has approved a budget of ₹514 crore for 2026–27.
The decision was taken at the council’s 24th board meeting in Dehradun.
The meeting focused on boosting tourism, creating jobs, expanding adventure activities and strengthening skill development initiatives across the state.
Officials also reviewed the progress of ongoing tourism projects and other initiatives launched in recent years. The meeting discussed future plans aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism sector.
The board reviewed the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects and discussed ways to speed up development works at key tourist destinations.
It also outlined future plans to further strengthen Uttarakhand’s position as one of India’s leading tourism hubs.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said long-pending vacancies in the department will be filled through outsourcing and contractual appointments.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the department’s workforce through training programmes in IT, accounting and management.
The initiatives are aimed at improving efficiency at both the headquarters and district levels.
The board also discussed plans for the integrated development of major religious destinations, including Triyuginarayan, Kainchi Dham and Kartik Swami Temple.
The proposed projects aim to improve infrastructure, strengthen visitor facilities and promote tourism at these important spiritual sites.
Adventure tourism was another key focus of the meeting. The board reviewed the 2026–27 adventure sports calendar, which includes events such as the Winter Carnival, mountaineering expeditions, the ‘Trek of the Year’ initiative, ultra-marathons, river rafting festivals and paragliding competitions.
The government hopes these events will attract more domestic and international visitors and further strengthen Uttarakhand’s reputation as a leading destination for adventure tourism.
The board also stressed the need to create more employment opportunities for local youth. Training programmes will be organised in areas such as homestay management, trekking, adventure sports, nature guiding, river rafting and skiing.
The initiative aims to build a skilled workforce and link young people with opportunities in the fast-growing tourism sector.
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