Himachal Pradesh assembly elections: Unhappy hoteliers seek change

MANALI: A large number of hoteliers and people engaged in the tourism industry are supporting a change in governance in the upcoming Himachal Pradesh assembly elections.
No or little support to the tourism industry during Covid-19 pandemic and weak tourism infrastructure in the state is pulling these people away from the BJP.
People dependent on the tourism industry say that they did not get any financial assistance from the double-engine government during the pandemic.They also claimed that Himachal was losing tourists to other states due weak policies and poor infrastructure.
“BJP has let us down in the last many years. Tourism in Himachal is dependent completely on nature and the people who are promoting it at their own level,” said Manali-based Amar Thakur.
“The government is doing nothing. We are not happy with our tourism policies. Why is the government not focusing on tourism infrastructure?” he asked.
“Many small businesses were shut during the pandemic as we did not get any financial support. Himachal was the top hill station of the country, but not anymore. I think we should give a chance to new faces to bring about the change,” said Thakur.