Hoteliers happy as tourists flock Shimla

: Six months after water crisis adversely impacted tourism in Shimla, rise in number of foreign tourists in last one week, has brought cheers to the hospitality industry.

Tourism inflow witnessed a decrease after water shortage hit the town in May this year.Tourists were asked to stay away until the hill station managed to tide over its debilitating water crisis.

“May and June witness heavy tourist rush in the town. However, the number of tourists saw a decline this year,” Harman Kukreja, president, Shimla Hoteliers and Restaurateur Association said.

“I had planned a trip to Shimla in May, however, we had to cancel it,” Sahara Elizabeth, a tourist from Britain said.

“The number of foreign tourists are likely to increase in coming days,” Suresh Dogra, a travel agent said. Himachal tourism department is also expecting an increase in tourists during the Diwali season.

SPECIAL PACKAGE

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is offering a special package for guests on Diwali.

“Guests staying for two nights will be provided a free stay for the third night. The package will be applicable from November 3 to November 11,” Kumud Singh, managing director, HPTDC said.

The inflow of the tourists in the state has seen a rise in past two years.

In 2016, as many as 1,80 ,97,750 tourists visited the state, out of which 18,45,020 were domestic and 4,52,770 foreigners .

In 2017, around 1,91,30,541 tourists visited the state, out of which 4,70,992 were foreigners.