Tourist arrivals in Shimla, the picturesque hill town in Himachal Pradesh, have witnessed a significant increase, with the pleasant weather conditions attracting visitors from across India. According to state authorities, from January to May this year, the region has already welcomed 72 lakh tourists.
Amit Kashyap, the Director of Tourism department in Himachal Pradesh, expressed optimism about the rising tourist numbers and anticipated even more visitors in June, thanks to the favorable weather conditions. In comparison to the pre-Covid era when Shimla received around 1.7 crore tourists annually, the numbers dipped to 32 lakh and 57 lakh during the pandemic years. However, last year saw a remarkable recovery, with 1.51 crore tourists exploring the region.
Kashyap attributed this revival in tourism to aggressive marketing efforts and other strategic initiatives. As of May, the region has already witnessed 72 lakh tourists, and a substantial influx is expected by the end of June. Recent weekends have seen a promising footfall, indicating a positive trend.
In terms of accommodation, the occupancy rate in Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels is quite impressive. On weekends, hotels in Shimla register a 70 percent occupancy rate, while hotels in Manali enjoy a full 100 percent occupancy rate.
Tourists are delighted to escape the scorching heat of the plains and find solace in the pleasant climate of the hills. Many visitors have chosen to stay in the outskirts of Shimla instead of the capital city itself, citing the rush of tourists in the main town. This shift has resulted in increased occupancy in the surrounding areas, such as Kufri.
Overall, Shimla's tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by favorable weather conditions and effective promotional strategies. The increasing number of visitors not only brings joy to tourists but also contributes significantly to the local economy.
Best alternatives to Shimla
If you're looking for some good alternatives to Shimla, you can head to Manali, Sissu or Kasol in Himachal. Some other options to beat the summer heat are Nainital, a picturesque hill station built around a beautiful lake, or Mussoorie, a charming hill station known as the "Queen of Hills" in Uttarakhand. These destinations are only a few hours away from Shimla and offer beautiful landscapes and a perfect getaway option. However, these places can get crowded, just like shimla. So here are some hidden gems to explore around Shimla:
Sissu is a quaint village in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist destination for its stunning scenery, adventure activities, and traditional culture.
Located at an altitude of 10,860 feet (3,310 meters) above sea level, Keylong is a good starting point for exploring the Lahaul and Spiti district, which is home to a number of popular tourist destinations, including Chandratal Lake, Dalhousie, and Tabo Monastery.
Binsar is a small village located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Hike and trek in the surrounding hills or explore the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of wildlife.
Chitkul is a village in the Kinnaur district in Himachal. It is the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border. Known for its snowcapped mountain views and natural beauty, the village is a good spot to explore during the summer months.
Ever been to Shimla before? Here's everything you can do in and around Shimla.
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