Farmers’ protest on Haryana-Delhi border hits tourism in Himachal Pradesh, visitor footfall sees decline in Dalhousie
The Newz Radar
DALHOUSIE: The ongoing farmers’ protest on the Haryana-Delhi border has begun to cast a shadow over the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh, particularly affecting popular destinations like Dalhousie. The once bustling tourist spots now witness a noticeable decline in footfall, with hotel bookings being cancelled, primarily from tourists hailing from Delhi and Haryana.
The recent snowfall drew considerable crowds, but Dalhousie started witnessing a decline in tourist footfall beginning Monday (February 12, 2024), perpetuated by the closure of roads due to the ongoing protests.
The impact is palpable across the region with Dalhousie bearing the brunt of dwindling tourist numbers. Harpreet Monu, general secretary of the Dalhousie Hotel Association, expressed concerns over the adverse effects of the farmers’ movement on the local tourism industry. “The impact of the farmers’ protest is being felt on the tourism business of Dalhousie,” remarked Monu, highlighting the abrupt decline in tourist inflow and attributing it to the fallout from the protests.
Tourists from neighbouring states such as Punjab and Jammu continue to frequent the area, albeit in lesser numbers compared to previous years. However, it is the cancellations from tourists originating from Delhi and Haryana that underscore the severity of the situation. The visible decline in tourist activity, evident on Tuesday and Wednesday, underscores the immediate challenges confronting the tourism sector.
