SHIMLA: In a good news for Himachal Pradesh's beleaguered tourism industry, Alliance Air has announced plans to launch new flight routes that promise to breathe life back into the flood-battered region. The news comes as a timely olive branch on World Tourism Day, offering hope and optimism to the state's tourism-dependent economy.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his visit to Amritsar, unveiled the much-anticipated flight routes today.
These routes will connect the picturesque hill stations of Shimla and Kullu to the bustling Amritsar International Airport, enhancing air connectivity within the state.
For a region that heavily relies on tourism, this announcement marks a significant step towards recovery.
The Kullu-Amritsar-Kullu route is set to kick off on October 1, 2023, with flights operating thrice a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Travelers can now book their tickets for this convenient air link.
The flight from Kullu to Amritsar departs at 8:25 AM, landing at 09:30 AM, while the return journey from Amritsar takes off at 10:00 AM, reaching Kullu by 11:05 AM. Importantly, half of the seats on this route will be subsidized, with fares pegged at Rs. 2637 for Kullu to Amritsar and Rs. 3284 for the reverse journey.
For those planning to explore Shimla, the Shimla-Amritsar-Shimla route will commence operations on November 1, 2023, also offering three weekly flights.
This boost in air connectivity is expected to invigorate tourism and economic development in the region, creating new opportunities for employment and revenue generation.
The government's commitment to enhancing air connectivity and investing in the region's infrastructure is evident.
Besides these flight routes, there are ongoing efforts to expand Kangra airport. Additionally, new heliports have been established in strategic locations such as Shimla, Baddi, Rampur, and Kangnidhar (Mandi), with plans for another in Manali (DGRE, SASE). This expansion aims to make Himachal Pradesh even more accessible to both domestic and international tourists.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu underlined the pivotal role of the Amritsar International Airport as a key hub connecting various domestic and international destinations.
These new routes are poised to benefit not only tourists but also the local economy, especially in areas like Kullu-Manali and tribal tourist spots in Lahaul & Spiti, showcasing the state's natural beauty and cultural richness.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the recent setback faced by the tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh. The flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc, causing widespread destruction, endangering lives, and crippling the local economy.
Originally, the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh, had planned grand celebrations for World Tourism Day, focusing on the theme of "Tourism and Green Investment." But the natural disaster forced a shift in priorities towards disaster recovery and rehabilitation.
Tourism has long been the lifeblood of Himachal Pradesh's economy, offering a window into its diverse cultures, traditions, and stunning landscapes.
The tragedy this year underscores the vulnerability of the tourism industry in regions prone to natural disasters.
While World Tourism Day typically serves as a platform to promote tourism's potential, this year's focus has turned towards rebuilding and securing a sustainable future for Himachal Pradesh's tourism sector.
As the region endeavors to recover and rebuild, the new flight routes represent a beacon of hope, signaling a resurgence in tourism and the promise of brighter days ahead.
