HPTDC disables bookings at 13 hotels, Staff question headquarters relocation

Shimla, Aug 30,

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has decided to discontinue online room reservations for 13 of its hotels from November 15, 2025, a move that has stirred unease among its staff and retirees.

The directive, issued through an internal circular by Managing Director Rajiv Kumar, instructed the respective unit heads to block advance bookings beyond the set date and manage all existing reservations accordingly. The hotels where online bookings will no longer be available include properties spread across Bilaspur, Kullu, Kasauli, Dharamshala, Parwanoo, Fagu, Jogindernagar, Chindi, Swarghat, Darlaghat, Rajgarh, Kharapathar and Rohru.

For many of HPTDC’s retired employees, who continue to await settlement of their service-related dues, the decision has revived anxieties. Former employee leaders, including standing counsel of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Om Prakash Goel, have recalled earlier court directives that warned the corporation could be compelled to auction its assets if it failed to clear payments to former staff.

Also read:State to hand over 14 HPTDC units for operation: a day before HC hearing on financial illness of board

Adding to the controversy is the recent shift of HPTDC’s headquarters from Shimla to Dharamshala. Employees’ unions have accused the management of acting in undue haste to vacate the Shimla office, which was being operated from a rented private building. They argue that the sudden relocation raises questions about the real motive behind the move, particularly at a time when the corporation’s financial health is under severe strain.

Tourism industry observers warn that the suspension of online reservations at some of HPTDC’s most popular hotels could further erode its revenue base. With the corporation already struggling under heavy liabilities, such measures, they fear, may compound its troubles rather than provide relief.

Meanwhile, employees’ associations have signalled their intent to step up pressure on the government and the corporation’s management. They have warned of launching agitation if there is no clarity on the future of these properties and no firm assurance regarding the long-pending dues of retirees.

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