Adverse publicity of long traffic jams on social media impacts tourist footfall in Himachal towns Shimla, Manali
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TNR Desk
DHARAMSHALA: Tourist footfall in the popular hill stations of Shimla and Manali has witnessed a significant decline on New Year with adverse publicity on social media and viral videos of traffic jams on Christmas playing a major role. On Friday, Shimla recorded a mere 40 per cent occupancy while Manali experienced more than a 70 per cent decline in tourist influx.
A hotelier from Shimla, Arun Shyam, said that despite big hotels in Manali boasting over 90 per cent occupancy, small and medium-sized establishments recorded a 70 per cent occupancy. Shyam emphasised the impact of viral videos near the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, where stranded vehicles and massive crowds discouraged potential visitors.
Anil Thakur, another hotelier from Shimla, acknowledged the state government’s positive initiatives such as the winter carnival and cultural festivals. However, he lamented that negative publicity regarding traffic jams, widely spread on social media and electronic channels, diverted tourists to alternative destinations, resulting in Shimla’s occupancy rate barely crossing 40 per cent.
Thakur also highlighted the implementation of a one-minute traffic plan in Shimla, aiming to minimise congestion at entry points and facilitate smoother traffic flow within the city. He expressed optimism for improved occupancy during the upcoming New Year weekend, especially with the Meteorological Department predicting snowfall and rain in the high and central hills of the state.
Despite the recent setback, both Shyam and Thakur remain hopeful of a rebound in tourism in the coming days. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed authorities to focus on ensuring a hassle-free experience for tourists, emphasising the slogan ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and implementing effective traffic planning. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced measures such as allowing food outlets and paan shops to operate round the clock and ensuring that drunk tourists were escorted to their hotels rather than being taken to jail, aiming to enhance the overall tourist experience during the festive season.
