Dehradun, Jan. 15 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared on Wednesday that the Winter Tourism Conclave represents no mere formality but a collective effort to transform Uttarakhand into a 12-month tourism state. He asserted that the hill state holds potential to emerge as the country's "Natural Healing Destination". Dhami inaugurated the three-day Winter Tourism Conclave in Uttarkashi district. He said the government focuses on responsible tourism that creates livelihoods without environmental damage. "Responsible tourism, not destruction, is our goal. We want to give identity to every village and employment to every hand," he said. The conclave serves as a major initiative to promote winter Char Dham pilgrimage and winter tourism activities, while ensuring year-round employment for local communities. Around 50 tour operators from different states collaborate with the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India. In addition, 50 state-level and 50 local tour operators join, alongside representatives of hotel associations from Uttarkashi and Barkot, trekking organisations from Uttarkashi and Sankri, and other tourism stakeholders. Addressing the gathering at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, the chief minister said Uttarakhand offers relief to residents of polluted, stressful metropolitan cities. "Today, major cities are grappling with pollution, rising temperatures, traffic and stress. In such a scenario, Uttarakhand can become a Natural Healing Destination for the country," he said. Dhami stated that Uttarakhand stands poised to become a hub for wellness, nature-based tourism, adventure sports, culture, yoga, meditation and sustainable tourism. He emphasised that tour operators play a key role in destination branding and trend-setting. "When tourism functions throughout the year, the economic condition of the state will improve significantly," he said, adding that stakeholders have full governmental support on permissions, connectivity, infrastructure and marketing....