Himachal offers tourism sops to world record holding athletes

NEW DELHI - Himachal Pradesh Chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal announced Thursday that the government will provide free week-long boarding and lodging in its hotels to world record holding athletes during the Commonwealth Games, a statement said.

“The week-long free package to the world record holders during Commonwealth Games being held in Delhi is aimed at attracting the best sports talents to visit our state and enjoy the traditional hospitality along with their spouses,” the statement released here said.

Calling the state as tourist-friendly destination, Dhumal added: “A number of new initiatives had recently been taken up by us to diversify our tourism.”

“For example, the launch of home stay schemes to involve the rural masses in the promotion of tourism development,” he said.

The free stay for the athletes will be organised by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).