Restructuring Himachal Pradesh tourism industry: Challenges, government initiatives and way forward

Abstract

The state of Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a significant challenge in its tourism sector which is characterized overcrowding of tourists, the escalating or up surging situation of pollution and garbage littering respectively. The factors behind this includes post-covid-19 lockdown effect along with the uncertain situation of former state of Kashmir tourism industry which gets hit my terrorist infiltration and tourist sector get shut down for a while and consequently, the region of Himachal has emerged as an escape or alternative. However, it has affected the tourist places immensely including overcrowding and strain on infrastructure as well as the environment. The paper explores the response of the state in light of this critical issue which does not leave a long-lasting impact on tourism sector but economy altogether.