Hospitality honcho lists 5 ways to revive Himachal tourism after monsoon disaster

Dawa Tsering
Dharamshala:
The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its snow-capped mountains, spiritual retreats and lush valleys, has always been a jewel in India’s tourism map. However, the recent monsoon disaster has brought a severe setback to this vibrant industry.

Roads, infrastructure, and connectivity were disrupted; hotels and homestays suffered damage and bookings saw a steep decline as panic spread among tourists. The question now is: Will the Himachal tourism industry revive? The answer is a resounding yes — but only with swift, focused and long-term intervention by the state tourism ministry and collaborative efforts by all stakeholders.

Government’s role in uplifting tourism post-disaster

The state government and tourism ministry must recognise that tourism is not just a seasonal activity but the backbone of Himachal’s economy, generating employment and supporting thousands of families directly or indirectly, says Dawa Tsering, a hospitality professional and the Group General Manager of D’Polo Hotels & Resorts, Dharamshala.

Tsering says the revival must be treated as a top-priority mission, with the following five actions:

Active participation in travel & tourism fairs:
The Himachal Tourism Corporation must aggressively promote the state by participating in major domestic and international travel exhibitions such as SATTE, BLTM, TTF (Travel & Tourism Fair), IITM (India International Travel Mart), ITM (India Tourism Mart), ITB Berlin and WTM London.
Special emphasis should be on showcasing Himachal as a “safe, ready and beautiful” destination post-monsoon.
In recent years, the HP tourism industry had stopped participating in several key travel trade fairs, which led to a noticeable drop in visibility and promotion. Now is the time for a strong comeback — Himachal must ensure regular participation to re-establish its presence on the national and international tourism map.
As a benchmark, our neighbouring state Jammu & Kashmir’s Chief Minister personally visits major travel fairs to promote tourism and attract investment — a proactive example Himachal must follow to stay competitive and visible.
Infrastructure repair and safety assurance:
Immediate restoration of damaged roads, bridges and tourist sites must be prioritised. Real-time safety communication and clear advisories should be made accessible to rebuild commuter confidence.
Subsidies & support to local businesses:
Provide subsidies, low-interest loans or relief packages to hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, and transport providers who have suffered losses. Support homestay owners and small hospitality businesses by relaxing taxes and offering promotional assistance.
Marketing campaigns & digital outreach:
Launch a nationwide and international campaign that highlights not only the revival of the region but also its unchanged natural charm and improved safety.
Utilise digital platforms, influencer tourism and live updates from popular destinations to erase fear and misinformation.
Promoting responsible and eco-tourism:
Encourage responsible travel, waste management and sustainable tourism models to protect Himachal’s fragile ecology.
Train local communities in eco-tourism practices and equip them to act as guardians and promoters of their regions.