Hotels in Shimla see record occupancy on long weekend

Escaping the scorching heat of the plains, tourists from across the country flocked to Shimla, one of the country’s most popular hill stations, over the long weekend. This influx brought cheers to the hoteliers and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry. Hotels, which typically saw an occupancy rate of about 60% during weekends, experienced a surge of 20%, with almost 80% of the hotels in Shimla and its adjoining areas fully booked.

The timing of the surge was also influenced by Hanuman Jayanti, drawing thousands of visitors to the famous Lord Hanuman Temple at Jakhu Hills and the Hanuman Temple at Sankat Mochan. Many pilgrims visited these temples to pay their respects during the occasion.

Mohinder Seth, President of Shimla’s Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association, noted that hotel occupancy rates were especially high during the weekend, with bookings reaching up to 80%. He added that weekdays usually see an occupancy rate of 30-40%, rising to 60-70% on weekends. This boost in tourist numbers has provided a much-needed uplift to the local tourism sector.

Seth also suggested that improving traffic management at the Parwanoo barrier could further ease the inflow of tourists into Shimla and the state. During the weekend, tourists were spotted enjoying popular spots like The Mall and The Ridge, particularly in the evenings. Many also visited nearby excursion points like Kufri and Naldehra.

Anita Batra, a tourist from Delhi, shared her excitement about Shimla’s pleasant weather, which provided a welcome break from the heat. “Shimla has been one of my favorite destinations since childhood, and it’s always a great experience to return here,” she said.

On average, Shimla attracts around 3 lakh tourists in April, with a mix of domestic and international visitors. The hill station sees a peak in tourist arrivals during the summer and winter seasons.