With end of four phases of LS polls, Shimla witnesses a surge in tourist inflow
May 16, 2024
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 16 : The weekend tourist inflow has started increasing in hill resort Shimla as four phases of elections end in different Indian states. The rising temperatures in the plains and pleasant weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh are drawing the attention of tourists.
After the four phases of the general elections, tourists from different parts of India have started rushing to the hills. Tourists from neighbouring states are also rushing to Shimla. 
Deepal Jadhav, a tourist from Gujarat said, "The elections are over in our area. It is very hot back at home. I have come with my family and have come here in the hills to get a fresh and cool breeze."
He added further, "We have planned a ten-day tour to Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie... We shall stay in Shimla for two days and then go to Manali... Back home it is 42 degrees Celsius temperature and here it is 20 degrees Celsius... It's nice to be here." said Jadhav.
The local tourist guide and travel agents here are hopeful to get a good business after the losses due to Covid-19 and floods during the past three years.
"The four phases of elections have been completed in different parts of the country, and the tourists have started rushing to the hills. This will help us to overcome the losses in the tourism sector. The tourists are rushing to Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Manali and Shimla. Here, we have elections in the last phase. The tourist rush will benefit us all involved in the tourism business," Maqsood, a local travel guide said.
People after finishing the voting and serving the election duty and away from the hot climate in plain areas of other Indian states are also rushing to hills in Himachal Pradesh.
Sayyad Raj, a tourist from Maharashtra, who completed his election duty, also expressed his happiness over lower temperatures in Shimla. He said, "The elections of the fourth phase are over in Maharashtra... The temperatures there are 40 degrees Celcius. Here, it is cool and we hope that the temperature will decrease more. I have completed my election duty so we have come here to relax," he said.
An economy of over Rs 11000 crore is generated in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the tourism sector and it is considered a backbone for the economy in the state which contributes to 7.3 per cent in the state. The tourism business units are now hopeful to get a good business.
