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Tourists flock to the hill station resorts of Himachal Pradesh, which generates ₹11,000 crore annually and accounts for 7.3% of the state’s gross domestic product. | Photo credit: PTI
A haven for those seeking relief from the sweltering heat of other parts of the country, Shimla has enjoyed a significant influx of tourists in recent months. A major hill station known as the summer capital of British India, the city welcomed 72 lakh tourists between January and May this year.
While the boost to state revenues is an obvious benefit for all tourism stakeholders, it also causes severe traffic congestion in some areas during peak hours as many choose to take road trips in their private cars.
Also Read: Decreasing snow cover in Shimla, locals, environmentalists worried over rising temperatures
According to Himachal Pradesh Director Tourism Department, 72 lakh tourists visited the region from January to May. “In the pre-Covid years, we had an annual number [about] 1,70,00,000 tourists but in covid years, it [dropped to] 32 lakhs before bucking up to 57 lakhs. Last year, we received 1-crore 51 lakh tourists. This shows that we have revived tourism in the state with aggressive marketing and other strategies.
“This year, we have received 72 lakh tourists till May and by the end of June, we are running a massive foot yatra. [Over] On a recent weekend, we had a good footfall. Amit Kashyap said that the number of tourists will be satisfactory by the end of June. While admitting that the number of foreigners has not increased this year, he is optimistic about the prospects of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) in the near future.
“In Shimla, we have about 70% occupancy and occupancy in HPTDC hotels and Manali on weekends. [goes all the way up to] 100%,” he added.
Tourist reviews
For many who live in neighboring states, the hill town of Shimla provides a second home to enjoy the summer. According to Srishti Sahu, a tourist from Delhi: “I came here on Saturday. There are a lot of crowds, the prices are high, the atmosphere is good and it’s a very good experience. I am from Delhi; There we live in AC and it’s cold here.
Perhaps to avoid congestion, some prefer to set up base on the outskirts of the Himachal capital.
“I am from Punjab; It is a very good place. I studied in Shimla. We are staying in Kufri – it is very crowded and tourists are shifting to the outskirts of Shimla,” said Saloni, another tourist from Punjab.
“We came here three days ago [during] A festival and a large number of tourists are here. The weather here is very pleasant. I [often come] Go to Shimla and stay here is great,” says Gaurav, a tourist from Chandigarh.
According to The data is available with the state tourism department In 2019, 1,72,00,000 tourists, including nearly 4,00,000 foreign tourists, visited the state, an increase of about 5% compared to the year 2018. A total of 56,37,102 tourists visited India in the year 2021.
Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector generates ₹11,000 crore annually and accounts for 7.3% of the state’s gross domestic product.
Also Read: Shimla misses out on a white winter with only one day of snowfall so far this season
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