Dharmashala, May 16
Tourism activity has increased significantly in Dharamshala during the ongoing tourism season, with IPL matches contributing to a sharp rise in tourist footfall and hotel occupancy.
Tourism season in the region generally begins in March and continues till July, with May and June witnessing the highest tourist inflow. This year, IPL matches hosted in Dharamshala have provided an additional boost to the tourism sector, with large crowds visiting the city even on weekends.
Tourists from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Chandigarh travelled to Dharamshala to watch IPL matches, boosting activity across local tourism businesses. Many visitors also headed towards McLeod Ganj after attending the matches.
Officials and tourism stakeholders said hotel occupancy in several tourism units across Dharamshala has reached 90-100 per cent, while McLeod Ganj is also witnessing strong tourist inflow. Authorities said traffic congestion in the McLeod Ganj area is also expected to improve soon with the construction of a new road connecting Heeru, Bhagsunag and McLeod Ganj. The partially opened route connecting Bhagsu and Heeru to Khada Danda Road has already provided considerable relief from traffic jams.
Tourism industry representatives said IPL matches have positively impacted business activity during the tourism season, with weekend crowds and hotel bookings increasing noticeably across the region.
