Dharamsala fest to boost tourism in Kangra Valley

In a bid to revive tourism in Kangra Valley, hoteliers and other stakeholders from the tourism industry have come together to organise the Dharamsala Tourism Festival (DTF). The festival, set to begin on March 25, aims to promote the region for the upcoming summer season by inviting tour operators from across the country.

Hotel and tourism associations have united on a single platform, seeking government support to host the event and rejuvenate the region’s declining tourism industry. Sanjeev Gandhi, General Secretary of the Smart City Dharamsala Hotel and Restaurant Association and a member of the State Eco-Tourism Society, said a meeting was held under the leadership of DTDO Kangra Vinay Dhiman. A joint decision was taken to organise DTF in Dharamsala with the backing of tourism stakeholders.

Representatives from the Hotel and Restaurant Association Smart City Dharamsala and the Adventure Tour Operators Association Dharamsala participated in the meeting. A dedicated DTF Committee is being formed to plan event details and seek government sponsorship and support.

The meeting was attended by prominent tourism industry figures, including Rahul Dhiman, Ashok Pathania, Rashpal Pathania, Subhash Nehria, Ashwani Bamba, Sanjeev Jaswal, Arun Varma, Deepak Jaura, and Rajesh Shanghari.

Despite the government declaring Kangra as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh, the region has faced a tourism decline over the past three to four years. The downturn is attributed to the reopening of Kashmir Valley for tourists and a drop in foreign visitor numbers. Sources indicate that many domestic tourists who once frequented Kangra now prefer Kashmir, leading to a decline in local tourism.

The festival is expected to provide a much-needed boost, attracting visitors and reviving the industry in the region.