World Tourism Day Celebrated with Special Program in Chamba District

On World Tourism Day, Chamba District hosted a special program highlighting the importance of rural tourism. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal emphasized the need to connect tourism with local livelihoods, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The event featured local self-help groups presenting traditional foods and products, while discussions on leveraging technology for tourism promotion were held. Community participation was strong, with various groups sharing their experiences and insights. This initiative aims to create new employment opportunities and enhance the local economy through tourism.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 28, 2026, 08:16 IST

Significance of Rural Tourism Highlighted

Special Program Organized at Dwat Mahadev on World Tourism Day Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal Attends as Chief Guest

Subhash Mahajan
Chamba

During a special event held at Dwat Mahadev to mark World Tourism Day, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal underscored the vast tourism potential of Chamba district. He emphasized the importance of integrating rural tourism with local livelihoods as a crucial advancement.

In his address, Repswal extended warm wishes to the community, stating that tourism serves as a platform to present both natural beauty and cultural heritage to a global audience. He noted that it also plays a significant role in enhancing the livelihoods of local populations.

He pointed out that Chamba's stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, sacred sites, and distinctive rural customs position it as a key tourist destination. By connecting tourism with local economies, new job opportunities can be generated for youth, women, and self-help groups.

Repswal highlighted that the essence of rural tourism lies in local culture, traditional foods, agriculture, handicrafts, and homestays. Promoting and safeguarding these aspects will not only invigorate the local economy but also create new employment pathways in rural settings. He took the time to visit stalls set up by various self-help groups, commending their initiatives.

He also emphasized the need for leveraging digital technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the promotion of Chamba’s tourist attractions, local products, and cultural heritage on a broader scale. This approach would improve tourist access to information and services while linking local tourism enterprises to new markets.

The event focused on merging rural tourism with community engagement, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and local products. Self-help groups showcased regional products and traditional dishes, highlighting the area's rich culinary traditions as part of the tourism experience.

Groups like Him Sakhi, Him Swaad, Gabdika, and Dwat Mahadev presented traditional foods and local goods, allowing visitors to savor the authentic tastes and customs of the region.

Pahad Trust provided insights into traditional seeds and indigenous agricultural practices, while sessions on adventure activities offered informative experiences for attendees. The program also included folk performances, village tours, sharing sessions, and tree planting initiatives.

Deputy Commissioner Repswal, along with other officials, toured local homestays and engaged with operators and community members to discuss prospects in rural tourism, hospitality, traditional cuisine, and enhancing tourist experiences.

Communities from Mystic Village Khajjiar and Mystic Village Dwat Mahadev actively participated, sharing their insights on local culture, traditions, and rural tourism. The NotOnMap team played a pivotal role in organizing the event and fostering community involvement.

Similar initiatives were conducted in Sural, Dalhousie, and Khajjiar, where local communities, tourism stakeholders, and institutions participated with enthusiasm.

The event saw attendance from District Tourism Development Officer Rajiv Mishra, District Revenue Officer Vikramjeet Singh, an Economist from the Rural Development Department Vinod Kumar, representatives from tourism-related organizations, self-help groups, and numerous local residents.