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Himachal hopes to bounce back with tourism boost in festive season
After deluge, industry looks to recover losses in festive season with Kullu Dussehra and mega marathon event from Manali to Rohtang Pass
Reeling under losses after the damage caused by floods and landslides this monsoon, the Himachal Pradesh tourism department has drawn up ambitious plans to scale up tourist footfall in the run-up to the festival season in October.
The ₹20,000-crore tourism industry of the hill state had barely recovered from the impact of the pandemic that it found itself caught in a deluge in July and August with tourist towns of Kullu, Shimla and Mandi bearing the brunt. The summer tourist traffic headed to neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir as access to destinations in the state were cut off by landslides, bringing the hotel occupancy down to 5%.
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“Himachal Pradesh is now entirely safe for visitors. The natural disaster affected specific regions, but the government has since restored all road links, facilitating easy access. Tourism suffered a setback but we are on recovery course,” Himachal Tourism Development Corporation chairman RS Bali said on Tuesday, two days after chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released a brochure for the international Kullu Dussehra celebrations. Cultural groups from 19 countries will take part in the festival.
The tourism department has released a calendar of events set to unfold across all 12 districts, with festivities commencing in Junga, Shimla, where the International Flying Festival will begin on October 12, featuring participation from pilots.
Bali said efforts are also underway to resume regular flights and construct a heliport.
The tourism department along with the district administrations of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti is organising a mega marathon from Manali’s Mall Road to Rohtang Pass. Runners from India and abroad are participating in the 102-km run. For the first time, the marathon is being organised at a height of 13,050 feet.
“After the natural disaster, Manali is ready to welcome tourists. To give this message, the administration and tourism department is organising the Manali Marathon on October 1,” said sub divisional officer Raman Sharma. Apart from the mega marathon, there will be 42km full, 21 km half, 13km short and 5km run for fun events. “The Manali marathon will boost local tourism.” said district tourism officer, Kullu, Sunaina Sharma.
This Tourism Day on September 27, the department is holding special programmes in Shimla and Manali. There will be cultural evenings and a special event in Manali.
