Hotel occupancy in Himachal Pradesh rises to around 40% post‑Diwali weekend, from just 5%, as tourist footfall returns

Hotel occupancy in Himachal Pradesh rises to around 40% post‑Diwali weekend, from just 5%, as tourist footfall returns — a welcome rebound for the state’s tourism sector. Over the weekend after the festival, hotspots like Dharamshala and Shimla reported occupancy rates climbing to approximately 40%, up sharply from a scant 5% in the lean months. With fresh snowfall prospects, improved road access and increased bookings from across India, the region is emerging as a top winter‑getaway destination.

Himachal Pradesh: The Ultimate Post-Diwali Travel Destination

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful Indian state located in the country’s northern region. It is famous for its beautiful and peaceful scenery, and for its culture. The state is in the middle of a remarkable revival after the pandemic and monsoon produced a slow tourism season. Following the Indian festival of Diwali, visitors have returned and guests in the state’s popular hill stations such as Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali have booked almost all the available rooms, seeking the peaceful ambiance the region is known for. The revival is visible in airline bookings as well, and the current season is ideal for visiting the state.

Hotel Occupancy in Himachal Pradesh Rises to Around 40% Post-Diwali Weekend, From Just 5%, As Tourist Footfall Returns

In the days after the Diwali holiday, the hospitality sector in Himachal Pradesh started seeing an increase in visitor volume. Hotel occupancy in key locations like Shimla and Dharamshala has increased to 40% according to local reports. During the off-season, occupancy rates in Shimla were down to 5%, but that has now changed. Over the weekends, the city became and continues to be, busy with lots of tourists. People from across the country, and particularly from metropolitan areas like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, have been climbing the hills looking to take in the scenery and cool off.

Bookings for hotels in the state will most likely not slow down and people will likely continue coming to the state to take in the scenery. Many are still coming for the possibility of winter rainfall and the increase in potential outdoor activities. Occupancy rates in Dharamshala, where Tibetan culture and spirituality is the center, hospitality has improved from 5% to 40%. The serene monasteries and the Dhauladhar range have been drawing in tourists for many years now. A number of tourists coming from the United States and the United Kingdom have returned and further contributed to the increased volume of tourists coming to the state.

Airlines Reap the Rewards From Increased Travel to Himachal Pradesh

After Diwali, there has been an increase in bookings for flights to Himachal Pradesh, and this is due to the increase in bookings for flights for Himachal Pradesh. Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo have reported flights on the routes to Shimla, Dharamshala, and Kullu being fully booked. For instance, Air India has increased their flights to Dharamshala, which is a step forward in the connectivity of that part of the Himachal Pradesh. The accessibility of the Gaggal (near Dharamshala) and Bhuntar (near Kullu) Airports makes tourists air travel to Himachal for a quick and comfortable journey.

The demand increase for flights to this region is reflected in the higher load factors on Delhi and Chandigarh flights, which is a positive indication for the region. The popularity of Air India flights from Chandigarh to Dharamshala has increased due to the efficiency for travelers fleeing urban congestion for the tranquility offered by the mountains.

In addition, specific airlines have created unique bundles and lowered rates to entice holidayers, which makes holiday planning to Himachal Pradesh even easier. For example, holidayers from New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru can take direct flights to Chandigarh or Kullu, and then take a connecting flight to the hill station of Manali. Manali is a big tourist attraction because of its trekking and adventure activities.

Effect of Increase in Tourist Footfall on the Community

Tourism renewal is impacting the hospitality and tourism industry at the local level. The local businesses that struggled at the onset of the pandemic, weak tourism and monsoon, are now increasing their business activities. This includes the small shops that sell local woolen garments and handicrafts, and extending to the large restaurants and resorts. All local sectors are seeing the benefits that tourism renewal is bringing.

As travelers from other parts of the country and the world get a taste of Himachali dishes like ‘siddu’ (steamed dough filled with a variety of fillings), ‘chana madra’, and ‘dal bafla’, restaurants and cafes and other local eateries continue to flourish. Tourists are revisiting the simple charms of the small hill stations of Nahan, Kasauli, and Chail, where they can soak in the peace and beauty of the mountains and escape the throngs of people.

On the hospitality side, Oberoi Cecil in Shimla and Radisson in Dharamshala continue to operate at almost full capacity. These high-end resorts are responding to the growing demand in the market by selling exclusive holiday packages to domestic and overseas travelers. Many of these resorts have started selling winter packages that include guided tours, nature walks, and spa treatments to create a more complete and relaxing experience for the guests.

Travel Tips for Tourists Heading to Himachal Pradesh

Winter visits to Himachal Pradesh calls for some unique travel tips to help ensure a memorable experience:

• Book Flights Early: Flights to Himachal Pradesh continue to increase in popularity and fill up quickly. Major airlines like SpiceJet and Air India have convenient routes to key airports in Shimla, Dharamshala, and Kullu making your travel plans smoother. Booking your tickets early can help reduce stress about travel plans.
• Check the Latest Weather Reports: Himachal Pradesh is also popular for it’s unpredictable weather, in particular, the winter months. Keep an eye on local weather updates whenever possible and prepare for possible extreme temperatures. Layering of clothing and waterproof clothing is a great way to prepare for the forecast.
• Reserve Hotels Early: As demand for hotel accommodations increases, units booked on a discretionary basis to avoid higher pricing on less popular travel periods will become the norm. Radisson and Taj Resorts in Dharamshala and Shimla are popular hotels at these locations and will provide excellent service and stunning views. For a more personal experience, consider boutique hotels and homestays.
• Local Travel: Taxis and private cars are frequent, but sightseeing in Himachal can also be done on local buses and by walking in the hills. The impressive local drivers are best for navigating the challenging, narrow, and winding roads.
• Trekking and Adventure Activities: Himachal Pradesh attracts many adventure tourists thanks to its trekking, river rafting, and skiing locations in areas like Manali and the Solang Valley. If you are thinking about taking part in outdoor adventures, be sure you are sufficiently fit and carry the right equipment.
• Respect Local Culture: Himachal Pradesh is highly multicultural due to its Tibetan communities, most notably in the region of Dharamshala. Ensure you are respectful of customs and everyday practices, especially at religious locations like monasteries and temples.

Must-See Places in Himachal Pradesh This Winter

If you are traveling to Himachal Pradesh this winter, plan to go to the following locations:

• Shimla: This beautiful tourist destination is famous for its colonial architecture and charming scenery. In addition to the wonderful Ridge and Mall roads and Jakhoo Temple, tourists can take the famous toy train shuttle from Kalka to winter Shimla. The train offers breathtaking views of the mountain scenery.
• Dharamshala: It’s the perfect place to appreciate Tibetan culture while being the Dalai Lama’s home town. You can experience the culture at the Namgyal Monastery. You can also visit the Bhagsunag Waterfall. The Dhauladhar Range has lovely hiking trails. Various yoga and meditation retreats are also available in town.
• Manali: The town is well known for enticing adventurers, as well as, trekkers, paragliders, and skiers. The attractions for this are the Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and the Beas River. The town’s vibrant nightlife is also a plus to the international and local food offered.
• Kullu Valley: Kullu is known for it is temples and as the Kullu Apple Capital. The peaceful envoronment of the city, is soothing and perfect for a holiday. The Dussehra festival, which is famous in the valley, also has para-rafting and trekking.
• Spiti Valley: The immense and beautiful landscapes, as well as, remote exploration in Himachal Pradesh are all found in the Spiti Valley. For a more remote experience, this is a great place. The stunning views and the many Buddhist monasteries are also a wonderful aspect of this valley.

The Role of Airlines in Facilitating Tourism to Himachal Pradesh

The growth of tourism in Himachal Pradesh is the result of an increase of tourism in the air travel industry. Airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo have boosted travel to the region. Air India has been able to reach customers in new areas by connecting its flights to major hubs in Delhi and Mumbai to Dharamshala and Kullu. This greatly decreases the travel time. Himachal Pradesh has also become a desirable holiday spot because budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet lowered their ticket prices, making it affordable to travel to Himachal Pradesh for short or long holidays.

Air travel is also rising due to the increase in people travelling within the country to take short vacations. With airlines adding more routes to the smaller airports in Kullu and Dharamshala, there will be more people able to access the state by air and avoid long and tiring bus or train journeys.

The Future of Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has an encouraging future in tourism. With the growth of the hospitality sector triggered by the increasing number of domestic and international visitors and the expanding air travel sector, hotels and resorts will diversify their offerings and specialize in packages for different traveler types, whether solo, family, or luxury.

The winter season will be even more popular as visitors anticipate the snowfall in Manali and Shimla. With increased flights scheduled and Himachal Pradesh hospitality experiences tailored to specific client needs, tourism will increase in Himachal Pradesh and make it one of the most popular destinations in India.

Hotel occupancy in Himachal Pradesh rises to around 40% post-Diwali weekend, from just 5%, as tourist footfall returns, signaling a strong revival for the state’s tourism industry. After a prolonged slump caused by the pandemic and seasonal monsoons, popular hill stations like Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali are once again bustling with visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. The combination of Diwali festivities, cooler weather, and expectations of snowfall has lured both domestic and international travelers, reviving the hospitality and airline sectors as they adapt to the rising demand.

Following a long dry spell, the tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh is now witnessing a significant uptick in visitor numbers, with hotel occupancy in key destinations climbing to nearly 40%—a vast improvement from just 5% in the preceding months. This resurgence comes as airlines report a surge in bookings to the region, as travelers take advantage of the improved accessibility to the state’s picturesque hill stations. With the winter season on the horizon, this trend is expected to continue, fueling both local businesses and the hospitality industry.

Wrapping Up

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has really picked up since Diwali. The hospitality sector is doing well, and airlines are filling more seats. Himachal Pradesh has a variety of tourist offerings, whether looking for leisure, adventure, or a spiritual retreat. The accessibility of the region has also improved, and Himachal Pradesh has many new premium and budget hospitality options. Himachal Pradesh has a good shot of remaining a top travel destination in the country, for its breathtaking scenery and rich culture.

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