The picturesque hills of Shimla have come alive with the season’s first snowfall, drawing tourists from across northern India and bringing a renewed sense of optimism to local hoteliers. The recent snowfall has not only delighted visitors but also kindled the aspirations of the tourism industry in the region.
Atul Jain, a tourist from Punjab staying in the hill station of Kufri, hurriedly made his way to Shimla to witness the fresh blanket of snow. He enthusiastically urged others, saying, “I would request everyone to come here and enjoy the beautiful weather.” Similarly, Jeenu from Delhi, experiencing snowfall for the first time, expressed her delight, stating, “My dream came true. It is a beautiful view around. I am feeling very delighted to see the snow. Everyone should come here and enrich themselves with a new experience.”
Local hoteliers, who faced a lean summer season due to floods, are now rejoicing as the snowfall has reignited hopes for a thriving tourism industry. Bilal Sheikh, a local tourist guide, shared his excitement, stating, “We have been waiting for the snowfall for a long time. Be it taxi, hotel, everyone is now hopeful. Tourists have started rushing here.”
The hotel industry is already witnessing an upturn, with reservations pouring in after the snowfall. Naresh Kumar, a local hotelier, expressed hope that more snowfall in the coming days would attract even more tourists, stating, “Tourists have started arriving here. The weather department has forecasted more snowfall during the next two days. So we hope to get more tourists in the region.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts rainfall in the Western Himalayan Region and select areas of Uttar Pradesh in the coming days. The Tikkar area of the Nawar valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district, as well as the Kharapathar area, have already been blanketed in snow, creating a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
According to the State tourism department, nearly 17,20,000 tourists visited Himachal Pradesh in 2019, including 4,00,000 foreign tourists, marking a nearly 5 percent increase compared to 2018. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, generating over ₹11,000 crore and contributing 7.3 percent to the state’s GDP.
As the region anticipates more snowfall in the coming days, the local economy is poised for a much-needed boost, and the snow-clad landscapes of Shimla are set to charm visitors, promising a flourishing winter tourism season.
Sources By Agencies
