SHIMLA: As the roads and connectivity are being restored in Himachal, the green charm of hills in the Monsoons is expected to draw travelers from across Indian, revving up the tourism industry from the losses it suffered for the last nearly one month of July due to the heavy rains and floods.
Though the road to recovery might be long, the tourism stakeholders welcome travelers with open arms, reassuring them that Shimla is a safe destination with its non-flood-prone nature and excellent road and rail connections.
The Government run HPTD hotels are offering 50 per cent discount in hotel rents to attract tourists in the post-Flood scenario in Himachal.
For years, the tourism sector in this picturesque state has faced its share of challenges, but it never lost its spirit. HP Tourism department claims that the Himachal has received over one Crore tourists this year till June, 2023, which is the highest for the last last six year.
Unfortunately, the past months have been particularly tough. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a harsh blow in 2020, and a subsequent second wave dampened hopes during the summer of 2021. The industry was slowly recovering when a calamity struck in the form of flash floods in July 2023.
The impact of these floods was devastating, and the heart of tourism, Shimla, witnessed a drastic drop in hotel occupancy, with many establishments registering just 1% to 2% during the weekends, said MK Seth, President of HP Tourism Stakeholders Association.
This unforeseen catastrophe left stakeholders, whose livelihoods depended on tourism, facing financial hardship for nearly a month.
Amidst the gloomy scenario, the resilience of the tourism industry shone through.
Hoteliers are expressing hope that the restoration of roads and bridges would pave the way for better days. Their optimism comes from the fact that tourism is a crucial backbone of Himachal's economy, contributing 7.5% to the state's GDP and providing employment to countless families.
Their plea for support found echoes in the government's efforts to rebuild road connectivity swiftly, thanks to the dedication of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his team of ministers.
Private Volvo buses have already started operating from Delhi and other prominent tourist destinations, and the train service to Shimla is anticipated to resume by early August.
They urge tourists to explore the breathtaking beauty of Kufri, Narkanda, Naldhera, and other nearby sightseeing spots, particularly during the captivating monsoon season when the hills are adorned with lush greenery.
In the face of adversity, the spirit of Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry endures.
As the roads get restored, and the state gradually heals, the hope is that the hills will once again echo with the laughter and joy of travelers from far and wide, rejuvenating an industry that has withstood the test of time.
