A Report On

“TOURISM AND EFECTS OF COVID IN THE STATE OF

HIMACHAL PRADESH”

Under the supervision of

______________________
Prof. Nimit Chowdhary

Submitted by
------------------------
Sohail Aftab

Student’s Id/Roll No.

M6822020

PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

THE AWARD OF

DIPLOMA IN TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (DTTM)

 DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA NEW DELHI

Session: 2020-21

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CERTIFICATE

Certified that the Project entitled _____________________________________submitted by

_____________________________________ is his/her own work and has been done under my
supervision.

It is recommended that this project be placed before the examiner for evaluation.

(Signature of the Supervisor)

Name___________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________
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Date ___________________________________________________
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the Accomplishment of this project successfully, many people

have assisted me. I am utilizing this time to thank all the people
who are concerned with this project.

I would like to thank our project supervisor Prof. Nimit

Chowdhary and HOD Dr. Sarah Hussain who gave me this
opportunity to pursue this enlightened project. I would like to
thank my teachers for their support and guidance throughout this
project.

I would also like to thank my mentor Mr. Aditya who has given me
best advice possible and helped me to complete this research.

I want to thanks my classmates and friends Ms. Shaheen Ansari

and Ms. Ria saxena along with my parents and my elder sister,
without their support this project would not have been possible to
accomplish.
 ABSTRACT
As known that tourism is one of the rapid growing industries in today’s time.
Thus within this tourism sector events are becoming a very crucial part.
People are becoming quite interested in different kind of activities and
events related to tourisms and travels. Such variety of events offers an
amusing experience for their tourists and visitors. To entertain their tourists
the owner offers them a various variety of social and economical benefits as
well as number of required entities as well.

This is a study under the subject regarding tourism covers the aspects related
to tourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh as well as about the findings and
impacts which this sector has been going through due to corona virus
pandemic in a very detailed manner.

Also at the end of this study there is a well structured strategy which is been
given by the state government in order to tackle this corona virus crises by
providing the people with number of aids and health facilities along with
safety norms and guidelines. This is to be done including with the help of
different departments in the state area and government officials.
Table of Content:
1. Introduction
1.1 History of Himachal Pradesh

1.2 Main Tourist Attractions in Himachal Pradesh

1.3 Effects of Globalization on Himachal Pradesh

2. Effects of Covid on Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

2.1 Arrival of the Covid-19 Wave in Himachal Pradesh

2.2 Conditions Involved During the Pandemic in Himachal Pradesh

2.3 Impact of Covid on Economy of Himachal Pradesh

2.4 Effects of First Wave and Second Wave of Covid

3. Recommendations
4. Conclusion
5. Reference
1. Introduction:
Himachal Pradesh is an amusable state in the northern part of India. It was earlier
known as the Dev Bhumi (The Abode of Gods). This beautiful state is known to be
a region of snowy mountains due to heavy snowfall during every time of the year.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by many beautiful towns with
breathtaking views and sceneries to enjoy during any time of the year, especially
during the winter season. Tourists from all over come and visit several towns
during the time of their holidays and vacations along with their friends and
families.

There are plenty of options when it comes to tourist attractions in this state of
Himalayas. Some of the most popular and visited towns are Manali, Kullu, Shimla,
Dalhousie etc. Also when it comes to activities there are number of things which
one can try and enjoy during their visits to these towns. Some of the activities to
enjoy in the state are trekking, rafting, heli skiing, paragliding, ice skating and
many more.

1.1 History of Himachal Pradesh

The state of Himachal Pradesh was established in the year 1948 as a chief
commissioner’s province within the union of India. This province was comprises
of some hill districts around Shimla and the southern hill areas of the former region
of Punjab. This state became part of C state on January 26, 1951 with an
implementation of the Indian constitution. Himachal Pradesh also became a union
territory on November 1, 1956. The Act of state of Himachal Pradesh was passed
on December 18, 1970, passed by the parliament. Also on January 25, 1971 the
new state was came into being during the process. Thus, that’s how Himachal
Pradesh has emerged as the 18th state of the Indian Union.
The British during their times have develop many hill station during their reign.
One of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh was Shimla, they named
it as the Summer Capital of India. Shimla has always been the most popular hill
station among the tourists.

After the British rule was over in India the tourism in Himachal Pradesh came on
to instant rise with the highest number of tourists coming all over in the mid 1980s
and 1990s.

1.2 Main Tourist Attractions in Himachal Pradesh

This state of Himachal Pradesh is a popularly known hill station for tourists in the
northern part of the Himalayas that is why it is also known as the Himalayan
landscape. There are number of outdoor activities such as ice skating, paragliding,
mountain biking, rock climbing are some of the major tourist attractions in
Himachal Pradesh.

One of the most popular and exquisite hill station in Himachal is Manali which
offer the most scenic view of the Dhawlandhar ranges which are fully covered with
the snow for almost the entire part of the year and it also offers a magnificient view
of the Pir Panjal as well. The Solang valley in Manali region is one of the most
visited and favourite places for the tourists because there are plenty of options like
paragliding, ice skating, along with a breathtaking view of beautiful mountain
covered with snowfall.

Manali is a great base for many options in exploring; one of such option is trekking
on the sides of the Himalayas. Also near Manali the river Beas provides amazing
options for rafting to the nearby town of Kullu. There are many other small
villages near Manali which also offers the tourists a good amount of activities with
a lovable view throughout. The best time to visit Manali is around the months of
January and Febuary followed by the month of December and March .

Another amusable destination to visit in Himachal Pradesh is a small yet beautiful

hill station named Mcleodganj, which is located in Kangra district near
Dharamshala . This is a much known place amongst the people who love trekking.
This magnificent place is also known by the name of Little Lhasa and talking about
the history it is also very famous across the globe for being a home to Tibetan
spiritual leader Dalai Lama, which is why this place is culturally blessed majorly
by Tibetan influence.

Mcleodganj has the most scenic and the most mesmerizing view in the overall state
of Himachal Pradesh. During the season as well as throughout the year, this
beautiful town attracts a hub of tourists. There are few other towns as well situated
near Mcleodganj, which one must cover during their visit to the town for more
wonderful experiences.

In Mcleodganj, there are few significant monasteries which are famous spot points
for the tourists such as Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Monastery, where
Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader resides. Some other nearby places to visit in the
area are Dal Lake and Triund situated in the scenically areas of the Himalayas.

Out of many major attractions in Himachal Pradesh there is one more place that
should be taken under consideration for its cannabis plantation especially. This
place is known as Tosh, near Kasol. The peaceful village of Tosh is one more
example of the undefined striking beauty that the state of Himachal Pradesh holds
within its bounds. This amusing village is situated on the far end of Parvati valley,
which is why it a go to expedition for all the adrenaline junkies. Here one may
experience the vibe of hippie culture as well as the bounty of nature in all its glory
will take you to another world. Thos has become quite a popular destination for
tourists in the past recent years due to its nearness to the famous town named
Kasol. Most people visiting this town practice yoga and meditation into its pure
and tranquil surroundings to get away from their chaotic life for a moment. It is
said that every moment and every step forward you will feel more in love with this
splendid town of Himalayas, Tosh.
 1.3 Effects of Globalization on Himachal Pradesh
The geographic and as well as the environmental suitability of Himachal state for
tourists has undoubtedly provided a lot of opportunity for the development of the
sector in this region of the area . But, it is important and also very crucial to
understand that sustainable tourism primarily depends on a balance between the
number of tourists visiting the places and the availability of the infrastructure in the
state, else there will be lot negative effects and impacts which are bound to happen.
That is why it is important for all of us, especially for all the tourists coming for
spending their holidays to show a sense of rationality and sensitivity while
exploring the different activities and places during their visit in the state areas.

Due to increasing tourists population every coming year, the pollution have been
increased a lot more since last few years which is becoming a major problem for
the drastic changes in the climatic conditions of the state and its nearby towns as
well. As a tourist everyone needs to understand that all of us are required to take
care of these kinds of issues and do not create any chaos by throwing unnecessary
garbage or trash on roads and other places.

Also due to the vast increasing tourist’s population and advent of tourism activity,
there has been an abundant and a rapid increase in the building of hotels, cottages
and unnecessary activity areas to attract more tourists, which is again, is extremely
harming the ecological balance. Such over constructing activities are becoming a
major cause for the effects of Globalization.

In this continuity lot of deforestation activities as well as increase in the air

pollution has been observed too. The forest area is been cut off to built new hotels
and activity arenas that is been resulting in harming the nature in a very rigorous
way as per the report. But even after such issue and warning, the number of tourists
has been increasing every year especially during the time of summer.

Also continuous drying up of springs in the hilly areas has also posed a serious
threat to the water supply in the region which is becoming an alarming issue day
by day. All such activities and distressing effects on the climate in Himachal
Pradesh areas is becoming a much tensed issue for the local people living in the
region. These are the reasons which should be taken care of by this time now, in
order to maintain a sustained and an ecological balance across the state.
2. Effects of Covid on Tourism in Himachal
Pradesh:

The table below clearly shows the number of cases across the state of Himachal
Pradesh:

COVID-19
pandemic in
Himachal
Pradesh by
district

A
T
R c
o
D e t
t
i c D i
a
s o e v
l
t v a e
r e t
c
i r h c
a
c i s a
s
t e s
e
s e
s
s

2 1
, ,
0 9
T 1 5
, ,
2 6
1 1
0 1

B 1 1 7 1
i 2 2 6 3
l , , 2
a 6 3
s 0 9
p 7 9
u
 COVID-19
pandemic in
Himachal
Pradesh by
district

A
T
R c
o
D e t
t
i c D i
a
s o e v
l
t v a e
r e t
c
i r h c
a
c i s a
s
t e s
e
s e
s
s

2 1
, ,
0 9
T 1 5
, ,
2 6
1 1
0 1

C 1 1
h 1 0
1 2
a , ,
4 6
m 0 6
1 1
b 3 3
a 6 4

H
a 1 1
m 4 3
2 1
i , ,
5 6
r 3 8
4 9
p 0 8
u 4 1
r

K 4 4
1
a 5 4
, 4
n , ,
0 3
g 7 2
2 7
r 3 7
6
a 8 5
 COVID-19
pandemic in
Himachal
Pradesh by
district

A
T
R c
o
D e t
t
i c D i
a
s o e v
l
t v a e
r e t
c
i r h c
a
c i s a
s
t e s
e
s e
s
s

2 1
, ,
0 9
T 1 5
, ,
2 6
1 1
0 1

K
i 3 3
n , ,
3 4
n 2 1
7 4
a 1 3
u 1 0
r

K 8 8
u , , 1 1
l 8 5 5 6
l 4 2 4 6
u 0 0

L 2 2 1 2
a , , 7 8
h 7 6
a 0 6
u 5 0
l

a
n
d
 COVID-19
pandemic in
Himachal
Pradesh by
district

A
T
R c
o
D e t
t
i c D i
a
s o e v
l
t v a e
r e t
c
i r h c
a
c i s a
s
t e s
e
s e
s
s

2 1
, ,
0 9
T 1 5
, ,
2 6
1 1
0 1

S
p
i
t
i

2 2
M
7 6
a 3 2
, ,
n 8 3
0 3
d 6 9
0 8
i
8 3

S 2 2
h 5 4
5 3
i , ,
9 2
m 0 1
7 6
l 5 3
a 9 6

S 1 1 2 1
i 5 4 0 3
r , , 9 8
m 3 9
a 0 5
 COVID-19
pandemic in
Himachal
Pradesh by
district

A
T
R c
o
D e t
t
i c D i
a
s o e v
l
t v a e
r e t
c
i r h c
a
c i s a
s
t e s
e
s e
s
s

2 1
, ,
0 9
T 1 5
, ,
2 6
1 1
0 1

u
0 3
r

2 2
S
2 1
o 3
, , 7
l 1
1 7 4
a 1
6 8
n
6 1

1 1
3 2
U 2 1
, ,
n 3 3
2 8
a 9 8
3 5
6 9

As of 2021-06-
24

2.1 Arrival of Covid Wave in Himachal Pradesh

As we all know, the very first wave of the covid-19 pandemic in India was
reported on January 30’2020 which originated from Wuhan, China. After that
gradually, the pandemic spread over to various states across the country’s union
territories which includes the state of Himachal Pradesh as well. In Himachal
Pradesh the very first case was recorded on March 20’2020.

2.2 Conditions Involved During the Pandemic of

Himachal Pradesh
As per the cases increased, the Government of India held a lockdown for a period
of few months just to eradicate the impact of Covid-19 on its citizen around the
country . Many people died, many suffered loss of businesses, health, friends and
family members, etc. Due to lockdown reasons, the travelling and tourism
activities were shut down by the government of India in order to tackle the Covid
situation and to make up a sound strategy to deal with this pandemic.

Just like other states Himachal Pradesh also started receiving more and more
cancellation requests during the rose of Covid wave. Ahead of last summer, the
tourism sector of Himachal Pradesh has received a big blow as country has
witnessed a surge in corona virus cases. The rising in the Covid-19 cases has
reduced the number of tourists by almost 60% in the last week of March.

Hotels and accommodations in many districts including Manali, Mcleodganj,

Shimla, Dharamshala and Kasol are receiving more and more cancellation request
by the tourists than the new bookings ever since the report of this second wave of
this pandemic hitting the state of Himachal Pradesh has emerged. Until this year in
the month of March, the state government has not imposed restriction on the entry
or movements of the tourists coming to visit.

The foreign visitors have been under suspension since the last year. Thus,
Himachal Pradesh barely has any foreign tourist to check in at any of the nearby
places in the state such as Kullu, Shimla, Dharamshala, Manali and Triund.

The state chief minister Jai Ram Thakur admitted that the tourism sector being key
industry of growth, employment and livelihood in the state had suffered a big loss
during this year. Also, the state government have closed down all the schools and
institutions as well as banned all the religious and social gatherings.

2.3 Impacts of Covid On The Economy of Himachal

Pradesh
The state of Himachal Pradesh is likely to register a negative increase of 6.2% in
the current financial year 2020-21 due to the drastic impact of Covid-19 pandemic,
along with the travel and tourism sector contracting by over 81%. The state chief
minister Jai Ram Thakur holding the finance portfolio tabled the economic survey
for 2020-21 in the Vidhan Sabha recently. The actual growth rate to be expected to
charged from 8.9% in 2019-20 to minus 6.2%. The per capital income at the
current price is estimated to come down by 3.7% to Rs. 1,83,286 from past year’s
Rs. 1,90,407.

Almost all the revenue generating industries have witnessed a sharp decline;
tourism sector is badly hit with a contraction of 81.33%. Also the cottages and
hotels are likely to register a contraction of 9.2% in 2020-21. Many other sorely hit
sectors includes mining and quarrying, transport, construction and forestry.

Moreover, the agricultural sector is set to register a contraction of 3.1% due to a

decline of 43% in the horticulture production. The fiscal deficit is estimated to be
4.65% of the GSDP in 2020-21.

2.4 Effects of First Wave And Second Wave of Covid

According to recent reports, the second wave of Covid in the Himachal state has
been registered about 5 times bigger than the earlier wave especially in terms of
cases registered and death cases during the respective peaks.
A government spokes person said 320 deaths due to covid were registered in the
month of November in last year when the first wave of corona peaked. However,
this year in May when the second wave peaked 1,643 persons died due to virus in
the state.

The maximum number of 18,459 cases in a month during the 1st wave was
registered in the month of November last year as well, while in May this year the
figure rose sharply to 91,043. The highest rate of positivity during the very first
wave of covid was 13.6% in the month of November in the year 2020, while
during the second wave it was about 22.1% in the year 2021.

For few weeks in May this year, the positivity rate have crossed 25% and rose to
28%. In Kangra and Sirmaur districts, the rate of positivity was bordering reached
to 40%. The other disparity between the two waves is that the first wave saw a
rapid rise in cases from 3 in March 18, 459 in the month of November last year.
During the second wave, the number of cases increases from 4,960 in March
month to 91,043 in the month of May’2021.

Absorbingly, the second wave, after hitting the peak, weakened at an equal pace.
While the number of new cases have decreased to 8,220 from 91,043 in just a
matter of 15 days and positivity rate too, has declined to 3.5% from a high of
22.1%.
3. Recommendation:
According to the recent reports, the government of Himachal Pradesh have issued a
travel advisory for tourists and made the Covid-e-pass compulsory. After watching
thousands of people visited the state known for its scenic beauty of mountains,
resorts and nearby towns, causing massive traffic jams in several parts over the
weakened.
The state chief minister Jai Ram Thakur recently said though the state government
has removed the conditions of RT-PCR negative report entering the state; they
must follow Covid-19 guidelines. During a media conference about the giant rush
of tourists seen on the state borders, chief minister said nobody will be allowed to
neglect the government’s norms and guidelines to check the spread of the Covid-
19 pandemic.
Jai Ram Thakur also added by saying that people visiting the state would be
checked and monitored through the registration on the Covid-e-pass software. He
said pass applicants have to fill up their particulars in the online system and the
details of their respective arrivals are being shared with all the stakeholders
concerned with this issue.
On the roads leading to Himachal Pradesh saw over crowds, bringing traffic to a
standstill, On Sunday as tourists from the nearby states of Haryana, Delhi,
Chandigarh, and Punjab made up a straight line between two places, this happened
after the announcement of the state government of Himachal Pradesh that PT-PCR
negative tests are no longer needed to enter the area.
Shimla’s superintendent of police (SP), Mohit Chawla said at least 5000 vehicles
entered the city of Shimla from the Shoghi barrier on Saturday and Sunday. There
is a huge instant increase of tourists after the state government has relaxed Covid-
19 guidelines. We expected the increase in the tourists movement during the
weekend but what is amusing to note is that people are actually following the
Covid to ANI news agency.
It was recommended by the state government to increase 10 additional police
reserves to be deployed in the entire district along with the traffic police to take
care and manage the influence of coming tourist vehicles. Approximately two and
half of three reserves are stationed in Shimla city alone, along with the police in
the city to manage the tourists. For further, the patrolling parties are guiding the
tourists and also requesting people to follow the proper guidelines and protocols .
Also recently, the state government of Himachal Pradesh under the latest
guidelines lifted the section 144 in the state and announced negative PT-PCR tests
will no longer be required to cross the state borders.
The tourism industry, lifted by number of restrictions imposed to overcome the
second wave of Covid in April, fortunately now has a reason in a way to cheer as
tourists along with the neighboring states visitors, who have also started adjoining
to the hills station in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

4. Conclusion
Corona virus is a new voltage that has not been identified in humans earlier. It is
causing illness ranging from normal cold to disease such as the Middle East
respiratory-syndrome (MERS-COV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS-COV).
India’s is the world’s 4th biggest economy by nominal GDP and the 3 rd biggest by
purchasing power parity (PPP). The BSE index has fallen near 30% since February
2020. After the Covid-19 cases started coming into light darkening the phase of
FY-19-20 for the businesses in India, especially in the service sector, which seems
to be holding a huge risk for the great Indian growth part.
Due to this pandemic the tourism and travel sector is facing major and horrible
crises impacting several divisions such as domestic as well as the international
travel activities. Being in the middle of the corona virus crises, valuable seeds and
other farm necessities must reach farmers in time for the Kharif season in order to
maintain a balance to fulfill their basic needs due to this pandemic. Seeing this
situation, the state government has now allowed the shopkeeper tom sell
agriculture machinery and other space parts to open, realizing that the process of
harvesting must go on.
The pharmaceutical sector in Himachal Pradesh, which is according to the state
government have recorded around 35% of pharma formulation demand of Asia
have faced closure due to lockdown. It is necessary now for the state government
to understand and create a way in order to permit such industries to engage their
staff and to ensure the availability of necessary medicines and goods reaching to
the people at the time of needs.
Thousands of hoteliers, café and restaurant owners and travelling agencies are
tensed about their wages and salary of their staff. Due to lockdown, anytime people
suffer such situation, especially when the lockdown increases people around get
stuck within their workplaces or in hotels. At this time, there is an urgent need for
the state government to cut GST rates on hospitality for at least 6 months, since the
hoteliers have charged 12-18% GST rate based on the room rate charged. Now
when we see that due to Covid-19, the hotels are almost empty, so the GST rate
should be brought down to 5 or 6% within instant effect by the state government of
Himachal Pradesh. Also it should also be taken care about the funds and salary
support of the employers and staff in the Tourism Travel and Hospitality Industry.
At last, it is necessary for each and every person to actually realize and understand
this tough time we are living in today. This pandemic is real and extremely
considerable issue. One must follow the norms and protocols announced by the
government of every state respectively across the country, especially wearing of
the face masks and maintaining social distancing at any state and time. Likewise
same announcements have been given by the state government of Himachal
Pradesh whereas the police have been asked to enforce these provisions
unsparingly to break the infection cycle. We are all in this together; we can win
and tackle this pandemic as soon as possible.
Recently the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur said that
Himachal Pradesh is gearing up to deal corona virus’s possible 3 rd wave by
improving the health infrastructure needed to treat the children as it is being
announced that children would be more affected during the 3 rd wave. Also the
health department officials have actually been directed to prepare the plan
accordingly as the treatment norms and protocols of children would be different
than that of the previous adult patients. The talks about 3 rd wave of corona are
continued to be spread all over the state government of Himachal Pradesh is
readily preparing for this pandemic to be tackled. All the required health
departments have been directly to maintain and prepare a plan to give actual
preferences to children.
Also, the government is worrying on the availability of the ventilators and other
equipments to be required for further processes. Government of Himachal Pradesh
is all set and working hard in strengthening the mechanism for people’s day to day
life monitoring with the help of the local communities, health departments and
panchayat members which is considerably is a very beneficial step for tackling the
severe situation of the upcoming third wave of corona virus.

5. Reference:

https://www.holidify.com/places/manali

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-once-again-himachals-tourism-
sector-shadowed-by-indias-fresh-covid-surge/378524

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Himachal_Pradesh

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Himachal_Pradesh

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/himachal-pradesh-issues-
new-covid-rules-after-tourists-rush-in-101623726017792.html

https://himachaltourism.gov.in/safety-guidelines-for-tourists-in-himachal-pradesh/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/himachal-pradesh-gearing-up-to-tackle-
possible-covids-third-wave-cm/articleshow/82903517.cms