Hospitality in the Hills: Shimla Welcomes Tourists Despite Challenges
Tourism leaders in Shimla are reassuring visitors that the hill town remains open and ready to host them, even as global tensions ripple through the industry.
The Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association has pledged uninterrupted services for the upcoming season, aiming to ease concerns about preparedness amid a commercial LPG shortage. Hoteliers emphasize resilience, though they acknowledge that prolonged disruptions could affect the peak summer season starting mid-April.
“Hopefully, the situation will normalize soon,” says a local hotelier, noting that current occupancy levels of 30–40% are typical for March. In Manali, Hoteliers Association reports a healthy 50% occupancy, with no major cancellations yet, though Dharamsala has seen some.
While international arrivals have dipped, domestic tourists continue to visit. Homestays, however, are feeling the pinch with fewer March bookings compared to last year. To adapt, hoteliers are turning to alternative fuels and modern kitchen equipment—electric fryers, induction cooktops, and diesel-powered bhattis—to keep operations smooth.
Menus are also being streamlined, with many outlets focusing on Indian and Chinese dishes to ensure consistency. “We are prepared to minimize the impact and keep serving our guests.” says Kanwar.
The message from the hills is clear: despite global uncertainties, Shimla’s hospitality industry is determined to keep its doors open and its warmth intact.
