Shimla: The sluggish tourism business in the state capital is set to pick up momentum ahead of Holi, with hotels witnessing a sharp rise in advance bookings. Around 40 to 50 per cent of rooms in most hotels in Shimla have already been booked for the festival period.
Every year, a large number of tourists from neighbouring states visit Shimla to celebrate Holi. This year, bookings are steadily increasing from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, among other states. Several hoteliers have introduced special Holi packages that include accommodation, traditional cuisine and cultural programmes.
Tourism stakeholders said that visitor footfall had declined due to the off-season and fluctuating weather conditions, but the festive period is expected to revive business. Trains running from Kalka to Shimla are also witnessing long waiting lists, indicating growing tourist interest.
Prince Kukreja, vice-president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, said bookings are rising steadily and occupancy is expected to reach 60 to 70 per cent by Holi.
