Hotels in Dharamshala reduce tariffs, offer discounts to revive lost business

Hoteliers in this popular hill station of Himachal Pradesh are trying to attract tourist by reducing tariffs and offering special discounts during Diwali in order to revive their business that has suffered hugely after the high court shut around 80 illegally built hotels here.

Tourist footfall in the town saw a loss of around 70 per cent this year as the Himachal Pradesh High Court had issued directives to close around 80 illegally constructed hotels and guesthouses in and around Dharamshala town. The court had also disconnected their water and electricity connections.

There are only 100 hotels operating in the area at present and tourist are avoiding booking hotels online after the court's order which has affected the traders, Hotel Association President of McLeodganj Ashwini Bamba said.

Quoting the Hotel Association survey, he says, the tourism business of McLeodganj was only 25-30 per cent this Dussehra compared to previous years.

The hoteliers now are betting their livelihood on the Diwali season and hence have decided to give 30 per cent flat discount on bookings from November 1 to 10, he said.

The association members have also jointly decided to give one complimentary night with every two-night booking, expecting the business of 50-60 per cent in Diwali, added Bamba.

He said every hotel will also organise Kangri Dham (local food feast) for tourist this year.

Mcleodganj also attract followers of The Dalai Lama and is favourite amongst foreigners. Dharamshala international film festival (DIFF), Bir Billing International Para gliding competition and Trigart Festival of Kangra also attract tourists in this season every year, an official from the Tourism Department.