Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
In a significant policy reversal, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to retain six out of 14 hotels under the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), following strong advocacy by HPTDC Chairman RS Bali. The initial plan to operate all 14 hotels on an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) basis had sparked concern within the tourism sector.
After Bali’s appeal to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the government reconsidered its decision, allowing HPTDC to continue managing six key properties:
- Apple Blossom (Fagu)
- Lake View (Bilaspur)
- Bilas Hotel (Chanshal, Rohru)
- Ros Common (Kasauli)
- Sarvari Hotel (Kullu)
- Mamleshwar Hotel (Chindi)
Manish Sareen, former Dalhousie Assembly candidate in the 2022 elections, hailed the move as a result of Bali’s persistent efforts. He emphasized that the Chief Minister’s assurance to support HPTDC and safeguard employee interests reflects a commitment to strengthening public tourism infrastructure.
Sareen expressed confidence that under RS Bali’s innovative leadership, HPTDC will achieve new milestones in profitability within a year.
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