Shimla, July 3 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Friday released the poster of the ‘Chalo Himachal’ campaign here.

The initiative of the Govind Sagar Adventure & Water Sports Association aims to promote adventure tourism and water sports activities across the state, particularly in major reservoirs and lakes.

Releasing the campaign poster, the Governor lauded the association’s efforts to promote Himachal Pradesh as a premier destination for adventure and eco-tourism.

He said that tourism is one of the major pillars of the state’s economy and initiatives showcasing Himachal’s immense natural beauty and adventure potential would significantly contribute to attracting more visitors while creating employment and livelihood opportunities for the local youth.

Governor Gupta commended the association for its sustained efforts towards developing adventure tourism and said that all stakeholders should continue working collectively to strengthen the tourism sector and present the state as a preferred destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Founder member of the Association, Ishan Akhtar, briefed the Governor about the ‘Chalo Bilaspur, Chalo Himachal’ campaign.

He said that throughout the year, the association proposes to organise a series of adventure sports activities at the Govind Sagar and the Kol Dam in Bilaspur district, the Pong Dam in Kangra district and the Chamera Dam in Chamba district.

He said that the proposed events include water sports championships, paragliding competitions, car and motorcycle racing championships, besides an international open water swimming championship covering nearly 50 km from Bilaspur town to the Bhakra Dam.

These activities, he said, are aimed at promoting Himachal Pradesh on the global tourism map while generating new opportunities for employment and local economic development.

On the occasion, the Governor was felicitated by Akhtar and executive member Bilal Ahmad Shah.

–IANS

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