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Himachal Pradesh losing tourists to China, Nepal
by Rajiv Kimta

          Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): A large number of tourists who would have otherwise come to Himachal Pradesh, are preferring to go to China and Nepal. And the tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh are facing a major slump. Travel operators attribute the decline in tourists mainly to a relaxation of inner-line restriction by China and the improved situation in Nepal due to the easing of Maoist conflict. VP Singh, a tours and travel operator, said that this year has recorded a decline of over 20 per cent. "We are experiencing about 20-25 per cent decline in foreign tourists. A major reason for this is China opening up the Tibet sector for groups and the political situation in Nepal has improved," Singh said. The start of the first rail link between Lhasa and China, the world's highest railway, is another attraction that is pulling away tourists from Himachal. The pan-Himalayan line, which is 5,072 metres (16,640 feet) above sea level and runs across Tibet's snow-covered plateau, known as the roof of the world, has received as many as 1.5 million tourists since its launch.

          Meanwhile, adventure sports, which is one of the major attractions of Himachal is also failing to attract travellers. Himanshu, an adventure sports operator, said there is divergence of tourists to other Indian states and Nepal due to Himachal Pradesh's comparatively poor infrastructure. "In Kashmir's Gulmarg, there are very good facilities for winter tourism. So, they have seen a boost in foreign tourists in winter and during the peak months of July and August, whereas the statistics have gone down here (in Himachal)," said Himashu. "Nepal had been closed down for two to three years. There was panic among people to visit Nepal. Now, Nepal has started opening up its frontiers and foreign tourists feel the comfort level, so, maybe that is one contributing factor," he added. A large number of tourists throng the hilly state especially to take on the rapids and cool gushing waters of the several major rivers. Satish Katchru, General Manager, Sterling Resort, said the government has to make an extra effort to control the decline. "The government has to take care in advance so that further decline in the tourist inflow can be controlled. Otherwise, all the hotels, which survive on the in-bound on the off season, are going to face big losses. " said Katchru. With more than three million domestic and foreign tourists visiting the State annually, tourism is an important contributor to the State's economic development.
- September 16,  2007