Tourist inflow in Himachal Pradesh has gained momentum despite a delayed start to the summer season, with occupancy levels in Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels increasing by seven percentage points compared to last year.
HPTDC Managing Director Rajiv Kumar said room occupancy across the corporation’s hotels has risen to 70% this year from 63% during the corresponding period last year.
He attributed the delayed start of the tourist season to late summer vacations in neighbouring states. While schools in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh typically begin summer holidays in early or mid-May, this year vacations commenced from May 24, pushing back travel plans.
Despite the delayed season, tourist arrivals have picked up steadily across the state, boosting occupancy in HPTDC properties.
Kumar said adventure tourism destinations such as Spiti and Kaza continue to attract bikers and travellers during the monsoon season, contributing to tourism activity in the region.
To encourage more bookings, HPTDC is preparing to launch Platinum, Gold and Silver discount cards offering benefits across its 56 hotels in Himachal Pradesh as well as commercial accommodation units at Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh.
The HPTDC chief also said that isolated incidents such as minor landslides during the monsoon often receive widespread attention on social media, creating an impression of disruption and discouraging some tourists from travelling to the state.
He said government agencies are working round the clock to ensure road connectivity, public services and tourist facilities remain operational, minimising inconvenience for visitors.
The increase in hotel occupancy is being viewed as a positive indicator for Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector, which remains a key contributor to the state economy during the summer travel season.
