Shimla, Sept. 18 -- To promote tourism and create self-employment opportunities, the Himachal Pradesh Government has approved the launch of an innovative scheme, 'Chief Minister Tourism Startup Scheme in Hospitality Industry'.

Under this scheme, the State Government will provide financial relief on loans taken for establishing new tourism units, such as homestays, as well as for the expansion and upgradation of existing units.

The Government will extend an interest subsidy of 3 per cent in urban areas, 4 per cent in rural areas, and 5 per cent in tribal areas on loans up to Rs. 2 crore, for a maximum period of three years from the date of loan disbursement. This facility will be available only to bona fide Himachalis, said the release....