Himachal Pradesh Sees Slow Recovery in Foreign Tourist Arrivals Post-Pandemic
Himachal still far from its pre-pandemic foreign tourist arrivals
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Foreign tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh, India, remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels, with 2025 seeing only 84,828 visitors compared to 382,876 in 2019. Factors such as global conflicts and competition from Southeast Asian countries have hindered recovery, despite gradual increases in tourism since 2021.
- 01In 2025, Himachal Pradesh recorded 84,828 foreign tourist arrivals, still nearly 80% lower than the pre-pandemic figure of 382,876 in 2019.
- 02Kangra district led in foreign arrivals with 29,755 tourists, followed by Shimla with 26,887 and Kullu with 10,587.
- 03The increase in foreign arrivals from 4,832 in 2021 to 62,806 in 2023 indicates a gradual recovery.
- 04Ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, have negatively impacted international travel.
- 05Extreme weather events have damaged infrastructure, disrupting connectivity for tourists traveling to Ladakh via the Kullu-Manali route.
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Himachal Pradesh, India, is experiencing a slow recovery in foreign tourist arrivals, which remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels. In 2025, the state welcomed 84,828 foreign tourists, a modest increase from 82,765 in 2024, but still nearly 80% lower than the 382,876 arrivals recorded in 2019. Kangra district emerged as a leading destination with 29,755 visitors, followed by Shimla and Kullu. Stakeholders attribute the sluggish recovery to factors such as ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have deterred tourists from key markets. Additionally, Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand have developed new tourism models, drawing visitors away from Himachal. Despite a gradual increase in arrivals from 4,832 in 2021 to 62,806 in 2023, challenges remain. Extreme weather events have damaged infrastructure, affecting connectivity for tourists traveling to Ladakh via the Kullu-Manali route. Improving connectivity is essential for boosting foreign tourism in the region.
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The slow recovery in foreign tourist arrivals affects local businesses reliant on tourism, including hotels and restaurants.
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