2023 rain disaster fear pushes down tourism in Shimla, mere 20% occupancy in hotels on weekend
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The Newz Radar Network
The onset of early monsoon rains has significantly impacted the tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla. Heavy rains have led to a noticeable slowdown in the tourism business, with hotel occupancy dropping sharply and related services suffering as well.
A hotelier said that despite a slight increase in tourists this weekend, hotel occupancy remains at a mere 20 per cent. He noted that tou isrist numbers on other weekends were almost negligible, largely due to concerns about landslides in and around Shimla, which have deterred many potential visitors.
“The recent incidents of landslides have had a major impact on tourism. People are afraid, but some tourists have braved the weather and visited Shimla this weekend. This could potentially benefit the city in the coming days,” he said.
Digital appeal to boost tourism
The tourism industry is hopeful that the charm of Shimla’s monsoon scenery will attract more visitors through social media. Reels, videos and stories showcasing the beautiful weather of Shimla are expected to be shared widely on internet platforms, which may encourage more people to plan their trips to the city.
The adverse weather has also severely affected the taxi business. A taxi operator said the taxi sector is experiencing a 90 per cent decline in business, which has increased the difficulties faced by taxi drivers and owners.
Hope amidst challenges
Despite the current downturn, the tourism business in Shimla saw a peak during the summer months. According to a hotelier, this summer brought the highest number of tourists to Shimla in the past four years. However, the monsoon season, particularly in July and August, is expected to remain slow.
“The rainy season will be at its peak in the coming months, and last year, heavy rains led to significant losses in Shimla and other parts of the state. This fear still lingers in people’s minds,” he explained.
