How the Tourism and Travel Meet is Shaping Shimla and Kufri's Future!

In a bid to address the urgent challenges facing the tourism sector, a 'Tourism and Travel Meet' was organized on September 15 at The Twin Towers Hotel / Adventure Resorts in New Kufri. The gathering aimed to shed light on the decline in tourism, particularly in Shimla and Kufri, and to discuss immediate actions to revive these once-thriving destinations.

With attendance from tourism professionals, tour operators, and hotel owners, the discussions revolved around the declining tourist numbers, worsened by the pandemic and recent natural disasters. The need for modernization, improved infrastructure, and innovative strategies became the central themes of the event.

Decline in Tourism: A Call for Action

The tourism industry in Shimla and Kufri has been experiencing a steep decline in visitor numbers, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic and natural calamities. Prateek Thakur, Director of Adventure Resort in Kufri, highlighted the challenges, stating that Shimla and Kufri have lost some of their charm in recent years.

"Tourism in Shimla is at a crossroads. We must work together to innovate and enhance our offerings if we want to stay competitive," said Thakur.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the event, with participants acknowledging the need for collective action from both tourism businesses and government bodies. Without modernization and new attractions, Shimla and Kufri risk being overshadowed by other popular destinations like Manali and Dharamshala.

Infrastructure Woes: The Roadblock to Growth

One of the key issues discussed at the event was the deteriorating infrastructure in Shimla and Kufri. Poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and limited parking have been long-standing complaints from visitors. In addition, inadequate air connectivity has made it difficult for tourists to reach these scenic destinations.

Narendra Bhardwaj, Founder of Colors of India Tours, pointed out that neighboring states like Uttarakhand are attracting more visitors due to better infrastructure. “Himachal Pradesh must address its connectivity issues if it wants to compete on a global level,” he said.

Stakeholders agreed that improving roads, increasing air connectivity, and offering more parking options are essential steps toward making Shimla and Kufri more accessible and attractive to tourists.

Innovation as the Key to Revival

Amid these challenges, some businesses have taken proactive steps to enhance their appeal. Snow Kingdom Kufri Himachal Pradesh’s first indoor snow park, which offers year-round snow activities like sledging, slides, and tube rides.

“The Snow Kingdom Kufri has been a major hit with tourists, attracting over 3 lakh visitors in the last year alone,” shared Parteek Thakur. “Innovations like this are essential for revitalizing tourism.”

While such initiatives are promising, they are not enough on their own. Tourism professionals agreed that more such attractions need to be introduced across the region to create a unique experience for visitors. Adding adventure parks, cultural festivals, and eco-tourism activities were some of the ideas floated during the discussions.

Government Support: A Critical Component

While private businesses have been making efforts to innovate, government support is essential for sustained growth. Tour operators and hotel owners at the event stressed the need for better communication and collaboration between the private sector and government agencies.

Sanjay Sharma, Director of Mountain Mystery Tour Operators, expressed his disappointment with the current state of tourism infrastructure. “The lack of coordination between private businesses and the government is holding us back,” he said. Sharma urged the government to focus on road development and better transportation systems.

In addition to infrastructure, stakeholders called for streamlined regulatory processes to make it easier for businesses to operate. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and offering incentives for innovation could go a long way in boosting the tourism industry.

Training and Employment: A Need for Skilled Manpower

With the arrival of several international hotel chains in Shimla and Kufri,

• The demand for skilled manpower has risen.
• The event highlighted the need for professional training institutes to equip local workers with the skills required in the expanding hospitality industry
• “There is a huge opportunity to create employment in the tourism sector, but we need to provide training and education to match the standards of global tourism,” said Narendra Bhardwaj.

Establishing training centers and certification programs for hospitality workers would not only improve the quality of service but also ensure that Shimla and Kufri remain competitive with other tourist destinations around the world.

Collaboration: A Path Forward

The key takeaway from the meet was the urgent need for collaboration between tourism businesses and government agencies. Stakeholders called for the formation of task forces that could work on specific areas of improvement, such as infrastructure, marketing, and policy development.

“Tourism is a collective effort,” said Prateek Thakur. “We need everyone—hotels, tour operators, and government bodies—to come together if we are to restore Shimla and Kufri to their former glory.”

The event concluded with a unified call for action. Attendees agreed to continue these discussions in future meetings and work toward implementing the ideas that emerged from the event.

The Future of Shimla and Kufri Tourism

The decline in tourism has posed a serious threat to the economic stability of Shimla and Kufri. However, with strategic actions, there is still hope for revival. Introducing innovative attractions like the indoor snow park, improving connectivity, and addressing infrastructure issues will be critical to the region’s future success.

Private businesses are already stepping up to the challenge, but without strong government support, these efforts will not be enough. The tourism industry is at a turning point, and swift, collective action is required to put Shimla and Kufri back on the map as premier tourist destinations

As the tourism professionals discussed during the meet, the potential is vast. Shimla and Kufri have the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit that tourists crave. What’s needed now is a modern approach to tourism that can meet the expectations of today’s travelers.