Due to the recent devastating monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh, the hotel occupancy rate has plummeted close to zero per cent. In an effort to attract tourists back to the state, the hotel association has decided to offer a generous 50 per cent discount on room tariffs. Additionally, a minister has assured travelers that it is now safe to visit Himachal Pradesh.
The tourism industry was gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and had recorded an impressive one crore six thousand tourist footfalls in the first half of 2023. However, the heavy rains and floods in July wreaked havoc, resulting in almost no tourist footfall and the cancellation of thousands of bookings.
Typically, the monsoon fury sees a lean period for tourism, with occupancy rates falling to around 30 to 40 per cent. However, this time, the hotels are experiencing a lack of guests, prompting private hotels and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation to introduce the 50 per cent discount on room rents until September 15.
Ashwani Bamba, the president of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations, expressed hope that the tourist inflow would gradually increase by September. He reassured travelers that roads were being restored and there was no cause for worry.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also assured tourists in a video release that the situation was returning to normalcy and that Himachal Pradesh was now safe for travel. He encouraged tourists to visit and enjoy the state’s natural beauty, assuring that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure their safety and provide them with all facilities.
Amid the monsoon chaos, the state government successfully evacuated about 75,000 tourists from different parts of Himachal Pradesh. However, viral videos of landslides, stranded tourists, flood-damaged buildings, and damaged roads have left travelers apprehensive about visiting the hill state during the ongoing monsoon.
The monsoon season has led to the loss of 184 lives in rain-related incidents and road accidents since June 24, with 33 people reported missing, according to the state emergency response center. Despite these challenges, the state government and the hotel industry are making efforts to welcome tourists back to Himachal Pradesh and revive the tourism sector.
