Shimla, July 24,
Himachal Pradesh has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, with over one crore tourists visiting the state in the first six months of 2024. By the end of June, the state recorded an impressive 1,00,87,440 tourists, drawn by its picturesque valleys, pleasant climate, and enhanced facilities provided by the state government, stated Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
Key destinations such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti remained popular, with Kullu and Shimla districts emerging as top attractions, drawing 4,73,737 and 4,48,392 tourists respectively.
This trend has continued into July, bolstered by favorable weather conditions and open roads, allowing tourists to escape the sticky summer heat of the plains and enjoy the scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that the majority of roads remain accessible. “Despite recent weather conditions affecting some roads, most of the roads across the state remain open and accessible to tourists and the general public. Himachal is also witnessing an influx of thousands of tourists in July, and these numbers are promising. We expect to surpass two crore visitors by the end of this year,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of tourists staying informed by checking the latest travel advisories and road conditions through the helplines of the district administration, police department, and social media handles. “Tourist safety and enjoyment are our top priorities,” he added.
Sukhu reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that visitors travel safely and enjoy their holidays at various destinations in Himachal Pradesh. He noted that the Public Works Department (PWD) is working diligently to clear any road blockades and swiftly restore travel routes. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation is also encouraging tourists to check for updates on specific routes and travel with confidence. Regular updates on road conditions are being provided by the district administration and Himachal Police to ensure tourists do not face any inconvenience during their stay in the state.
Noteworthy that in 2023, a total of 1.60 crore tourists visited the State. The same was 1.51 crore in 2022 and during pandemic period of 2020 and 2021, the numbers were 32 lakh and 56.37 lakh respectively. With this surge in tourism and the state government’s proactive measures to ensure safety and convenience, Himachal Pradesh is poised to break new records in tourist arrivals by the end of 2024.
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