Jharkhand showcases tourism investment potential at National Stakeholders’ Consultation
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK New Delhi/Ranchi, July 10: Jharkhand showcased its tourism investment potential at the National Stakeholders’ Consultation 2026 in New…
SUDIVYA KUMAR
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi/Ranchi, July 10: Jharkhand showcased its tourism investment potential at the National Stakeholders’ Consultation 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting policy reforms, infrastructure development and investment opportunities aimed at transforming the state into Eastern India’s leading sustainable tourism destination.
The tourism session, held on the second day of the two-day consultation at Hotel Taj Palace, was themed “Destination Jharkhand: Driving Tourism Investment and Inclusive Development.” It brought together policymakers, tourism experts, industry leaders and development partners to deliberate on strategies for promoting tourism-led economic growth and attracting investments.
Tourism emerges as key growth driver
During the consultation, the state government highlighted that Jharkhand received 5.85 crore tourist visits in 2024, including 4.4 crore pilgrim visits, underscoring its growing tourism potential.
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The government said that granting industry status to tourism has opened new avenues for private investment, institutional finance and infrastructure development. Alongside religious tourism, the state is promoting eco-tourism, wildlife tourism, adventure tourism, water sports, mining tourism and community-based tribal tourism.
Officials said the proposed Tourism Policy 2026 and Homestay Policy 2026, along with digital single-window registration and other investor-friendly initiatives, are expected to strengthen the tourism ecosystem.
Investment opportunities highlighted
The government invited private investment in hotels, resorts, ropeways, skywalks, water sports, floating restaurants, houseboats, camping sites and experiential tourism projects backed by attractive incentives.
Tourism infrastructure is also being strengthened under the Centre’s PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes, while new tourist destinations and visitor amenities are being developed across the state.
Minister pitches Jharkhand as tourism destination
Addressing the gathering, Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudivya Kumar said Jharkhand’s natural beauty is as valuable as its mineral wealth.
“Nature has gifted Jharkhand not only with abundant minerals but also with extraordinary natural beauty, which is even more valuable. While Jharkhand is widely recognised as a mineral-rich state, we want it to be equally known for its unmatched natural beauty. Jharkhand has opened its doors to tourism, and we warmly welcome visitors from across the country.”
Highlighting the employment potential of community-based tourism, the minister said the proposed Homestay Policy would generate livelihood opportunities across rural areas.
“A five-star hotel may directly employ around 200 people, but if we develop 100 homestays, with each family comprising five members, nearly 500 people can be connected to sustainable livelihoods. Our upcoming Homestay Policy will be highly attractive and will help establish Jharkhand as one of the country’s leading homestay destinations.”
Emphasising religious tourism, Kumar said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is reaching out across the country to promote Jharkhand’s cultural, spiritual and natural heritage.
Assuring investors of government support, he said:
“Jharkhand has a unique charm. Whoever visits the State or belongs to it carries a lifelong connection with its beauty, culture and warmth. We invite everyone to explore, experience and invest in Jharkhand as we build a sustainable and inclusive tourism ecosystem together.”
Among those present were Ministers Deepika Pandey Singh, Sanjay Prasad Yadav, Irfan Ansari and Shilpi Neha Tirkey.
