category Regional, shimla, , tags Regional, shimla, , DW BUREAU shimla Terming Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu s statement allowing tourists to drink without fear of being jailed on New Year as irresponsible , BJP s state media coordinator and MLA Randhir Sharma said it will promote drug abuse. Addressing the media persons on Friday, Sharma said that such statements could embolden miscreants who can create law and order issues in the state and demanded that the statement be immediately withdrawn. Sukhu had stated that no action would be taken against drunken tourists in Himachal Pradesh, rather the police would facilitate them by dropping them to hotels. But the same facility would not be available for the residents. He had said that there would be no restrictions on hotels, and eating joints and pan shops can remain open 24x7 from December 20 to January 5. He had added that a notification in this regard has been issued. Lashing out at the CM for his double standards , Sharma said that as per the statement, if any local person is found drunk, he will be strictly dealt with but tourists would be facilitated so that their New Year is not spoiled. It shows the dual legal system in the state, he alleged. Now, there are different laws for residents and tourists. New Year is only for tourists, not for residents, said another BJP leader. Such decisions taken by the Congress government are not in the interest of the state and could worsen the law and order situation, he said and added that Sukhu has hurt the dignity of his post by making such statements. Tourism plays a pivotal role in bolstering economies worldwide, serving as a dynamic and multifaceted industry that contributes significantly to economic growth and development. Its importance extends beyond just the hospitality sector, permeating various related industries such as transportation, entertainment, and retail. At the heart of its economic impact lies the creation of jobs, both directly and indirectly, offering employment opportunities to a diverse range of individuals, from hotel staff and tour guides to taxi drivers and artisans. Moreover, the influx of tourists stimulates local businesses, encouraging the growth of markets and fostering entrepreneurship. The revenue generated from tourism, through expenditures on accommodation, dining, transportation, and attractions, injects substantial capital into the economy. Governments often depend on tourism as a vital source of foreign exchange earnings, helping to balance trade deficits and build foreign currency reserves. Additionally, tourism contributes to infrastructure development, as destinations strive to enhance their appeal and accessibility to attract more visitors. (editor dailyworld.in)