Efforts would be made to promote virgin tourist destinations in the State with special emphasis on promotion of adventure sports. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the prize distribution function of 7th edition of Hero MTB Himalaya-Shimla Edition-2018, here today.The three day event was held from 13 to 15 April, 2018 by Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA).The Chief Minister said that HASTPA initiative would go a long way in encouraging the localities of Shimla town to greener and healthier lifestyle. The State Government was committed to promote adventure sports in the State. He said that such activities would not only encourage the people to adopt a healthy life style but also help in environmental conservation. He said that Himalayas were the most beautiful but difficult mountains of the world and challenging them with bicycles was indeed commendable.Jai Ram Thakur said that mountain biking was not only one of the largest adventure sports in the world in term of revenue generation but it was environmental friendly as well. He said that the State of Himachal Pradesh had a lot of potential for mountain biking and efforts would be made to create and develop biking tracks in the State.
He said that the mountain bikes provide diverse activities to the tourists visiting the State. The government would provide all possible help to the Association to promote adventure sports in the State. He said that budget provision of Rs 50 crore had been made for tourism promotion in the State.President, HASTPA Mohit Sood while welcoming the Chief Minister detailed various activities of the Association. He said the rally covered 105 kilometers through the cycling tracks of Shimla city and around. He said that the Association was also contributing towards community services. He urged the Chief Minister for creating cycling academy in Himachal Pradesh.Secretary of the Association Ashish also welcomed the Chief Minister.Deputy Mayor Rakesh Sharma, OSD to the Chief Minister Mahender Dharmani, Director, Information and Public Relations Anupam Kashyap, Councilors of MC Shimla were also present on the occasion.