Tourism stakeholders concerned over the declining tourists to Shima

The stakeholders also expressed concern over lack of air connectivity, bad roads, traffic and parking woes, water supply crisis that was weighing heavily on the tourism industry in Shimla and adjoining tourist destinations.

Considering the fact, Adventure Resort, Kufri every year is making an attempt to do something innovative, he said. “Recently they have conceptualized Himachal’s first indoor snow park which is becoming a centre of attraction for tourists who can witness the delight of round the year snow,” said Thakur.

Mount and Mystery Tour Operator Director Sanjay Sharma speaking on the challenges, said that the decreasing tourism in the region is matter of grave concern due to varied reasons.

“Overall if we see, both domestic and foreign tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh as compared to the neighbouring states are disappointed with the lack of better facilities in today’s competitive era,” he said.

“Neither better infrastructure is available for tourism in the state, nor is there better communication between private businessmen and the government. There is a need for an interface so that the problems can be resolved.”

 “We as stakeholders should have a dialogue with the government to evolve tourism friendly policies,” said Bhardwaj, adding that the government should help private entrepreneurs with the best possible resources and permissions under one roof.

Tourism businessmen in the private sector are constantly striving hard, but unless or until the government does support the industry by developing infrastructure it will become difficult for the tourism business in Himachal Pradesh to reach the heights once again, he added.

There is an urgent need for the government to give serious thought to resolve the decline of tourism, stressed the stakeholders.