Shimla Experiences Influx of Tourists Following First Snowfall of the Season, Delighting Hotel Owners

The recent occurrence of the season’s inaugural snowfall has brought immense joy to both tourists and local hoteliers in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, reigniting optimism for progress in the region’s tourism industry. Following a fresh bout of snowfall in various parts of Himachal Pradesh, visitors from northern India are flocking to Shimla to bask in the wintry wonderland.

Atul Jain, a tourist hailing from Punjab, had been sojourning in Kufri, a picturesque hill station, but promptly made his way to Shimla to partake in the snowfall festivities. Expressing his enthusiasm, Jain urged others to join in, saying, “I would request everyone to come here and enjoy the beautiful weather here.” Jeenu, a delighted visitor from Delhi experiencing snowfall for the first time, shared her joy, 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.”

The snowfall has not only thrilled tourists but also buoyed the spirits of local hoteliers, breathing new life into their hopes for a resurgence in the tourism industry. Bilal Sheikh, a local tourist guide, expressed his relief after a lean summer season plagued by floods, 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. It has been snowing for the last two-three days, and there were predictions about more snowfall in the region.”

Welcoming the influx of tourists, Sheikh noted the positive impact on various sectors, indicating a potential boon for taxis, hotels, and other related businesses. The surge in tourist interest is a welcome change for hoteliers, who have been grappling with a prolonged dry spell.

Naresh Kumar, a local hotelier, voiced optimism that sustained snowfall could further boost tourist footfall in the city. “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,” Kumar remarked, underscoring the anticipation within the hospitality sector.

The hotel industry, which faced a slump due to unfavorable weather conditions, is now witnessing a surge in reservations post-snowfall. This turnaround has kindled hope among hoteliers for a much-needed revival of business activities. Naresh Kumar’s sentiment echoed the collective aspiration within the industry, emphasizing the positive impact that increased snowfall could have on the local economy.

The meteorological department’s forecast for more snowfall in the Western Himalayan Region and select areas of Uttar Pradesh adds to the optimism. The picturesque Tikkar area in the Nawar valley of Shimla district and Kharapathar area in Shimla both witnessed a fresh blanket of snow, creating a scenic winter landscape.

According to data from the State tourism department, nearly 1,720,000 tourists visited Himachal Pradesh in 2019, including 400,000 foreign tourists, marking a nearly 5 percent increase compared to 2018. The tourism sector contributes significantly to the state’s economy, generating over ₹11,000 crore and constituting 7.3 percent of the state’s GDP.

In conclusion, the season’s inaugural snowfall has not only rejuvenated the spirits of tourists seeking a winter escapade but has also infused optimism into the local economy, particularly the tourism and hospitality sectors in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The snow-laden landscape promises a resurgence in business and a renewed sense of delight for both visitors and residents alike.