Himachal Pradesh: Tourists throng to hill stations in Shimla to escape scorching heat
The Hindu
Shimla provides respite to throngs of tourists from the scorching heat via its hill stations. Over 72 lakh tourists arrived in the region between January and May, according to the Director of the Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh
A haven for those seeking respite from the scorching heat prevailing in other parts of the country, Shimla has enjoyed considerable tourist footfall in recent months. A major hill station famous for being the summer capital of British India, the city reportedly welcomed over 72 lakh tourists between January and May this year.
Also read: Locals, environmentalists concerned over depleting snow cover, rising temperatures in Shimla
According to the Director Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh, from January to May, over 72 lakh tourists arrived in the region. “Pre-Covid years, we had an annual number of [about] 1,70,00,000 tourists but during the Covid years, it [dropped to] 32 lakh before bucking up to 57 lakh. Last year, we received 1-crore-and-51-lakh tourists. It shows that we have revived tourism in the State with aggressive marketing and other strategies.
“This year, we have received 72 lakh tourists till May and by June end, we are executing a huge footfall. [Over] the recent weekend, we had a good footfall. And by June-end the number of tourist arrivals would be satisfactory,” Amit Kashyap said. While admitting that the foreigner contingent has not risen this year, he remained optimistic about the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (HPTDC) prospects in the near future.
“In Shimla, we have nearly 70% of people, and on weekends the occupancy in HPTDC hotels and in Manali [goes all the way up to] 100%,” he added.
For many who live in neighbouring States, the hill town of Shimla offers a second home to enjoy the summers. According to Shrishti Sahu, a tourist from Delhi: “I came here on Saturday There are lots of crowds, prices are high, the weather is good and it is a very nice experience. I am from Delhi; there we live in AC, and it is chilling here.“
Presumably to avoid the crowds, some prefer to set up base in the outskirts of the Himachal capital.
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