MANDI: In the aftermath of the heart-wrenching incident in Pahalgam where 26 tourists were killed by terrorists, India’s tourism sector is witnessing a dramatic shift.
What was expected to be a booming summer season for Kashmir has turned into a crisis, with over 10,000 travel bookings to Srinagar and adjoining areas cancelled in just the last 24 hours, according to sources in the travel industry.
As travellers reconsider their plans, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a safe and trusted alternative, leading to a notable rise in inquiries and bookings across hill stations such as Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala.
Spike in bookings, inquiries flood Himachal’s travel circuit
Speaking to TNR, local hoteliers and tour operators from key Himachal towns reported a significant jump in activity.
“Since last evening, we have received hundreds of fresh online inquiries, many from tourists who had originally planned to visit Srinagar,” said a Manali-based travel agent.
Gajinder Thakur, president of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations (FOHHRA), condemned the Pahalgam tragedy, calling it “deeply unfortunate and inhuman”.
He said tourists don’t cancel their vacations, but they reroute. “And now, it’s clear: if they’re heading for the hills, it will either be Himachal or Uttarakhand.”
Thakur confirmed that Himachal’s hospitality industry had already started experiencing the impact. “We are witnessing the early signs of a tourism boom that could surpass previous years.”
Shimla hotels witness booking surge
FOHHRA’s state secretary Mohinder Seth echoed similar sentiments. Offering condolences to the families of the victims in Pahalgam, he shared, “We saw an unexpected spike in bookings across Shimla hotels just in the last 24 hours. This is a strong indicator for the summer season ahead.”
He added, “While the tragedy is deeply regrettable for any state, its consequences inevitably redirect tourist flows — and Himachal is one of the key beneficiaries.”
Himachal safe, affordable and tourist-friendly
Prominent hotelier Vimpy Bakshi, whose family owns landmark properties in Manali, Shimla and Dalhousie, confirmed a sharp rise in bookings.
“Pahalgam’s incident is unfortunate beyond words, but tourists don’t wait — they move. Himachal is a time-tested, family-friendly destination and this current shift is proof of that.”
He emphasised that Himachal’s reputation for safety, budget-friendliness and warm hospitality continues to make it a preferred choice.
“We have better roads now, improved connectivity and a peaceful environment — all signs point toward a strong summer season,” he said.
Tourism veterans Ritesh, Aman Sood witness positive shift
Renowned hoteliers Ritesh Sood and Aman Sood, both respected names in Himachal’s luxury hospitality sector, have also reported a noticeable uptick.
Ritesh runs boutique luxury resorts in the Haripur and Hampta Pass areas of Manali, while Aman operates a premium riverside resort in Kasol.
Both have long-standing reputations in the industry and are now seeing increased interest from high-end travellers shifting away from Kashmir.
Munish Sood
Other News
Protests erupt across Himachal over Pahalgam terror attack on tourists, markets closed in several places
After Pahalgam massacre, thousands of tourists cancel Kashmir bookings; Himachal hotels see surge in queries
Father-son duo from Shimla’s Chopal *killed in car accident; 3 others injured
3 from Himachal clear prestigious civil services exam, Bilaspur’s Vaibhav gets 82nd rank in first attempt
Himachal CM condemns Pahalgam terror attack, says anti-social elements must be curbed at any cost
