Despite adverse weather conditions 1.6 crore tourists visited Himachal Pradesh in 2023, up 6% from 2022

Tourist footfall in Himachal Pradesh surged from 1.51 crore in 2022 to 1.60 crore last year, despite disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides in mid-2023. By June 2023, over one crore tourists had visited the state, comprising 99,78,504 domestic and 28,239 foreign visitors. However, tourist arrivals came to a standstill during the monsoon due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in losses amounting to Rs 9,905.77 crore and claiming over 200 lives in rain-related incidents.

According to government data, 75,000 stranded tourists had to be rescued from Himachal Pradesh on July 9 and 10 due to blocked roads. Relief and restoration efforts were swiftly initiated post-monsoon, with the Kullu International Dussehra witnessing a surge in tourist influx, marking the industry's gradual revival.

However, tourist activity picked up in November, after the first snowfall of the season in the hilly state. Tourists thronged Himachal Pradesh from neighbouring states including Delhi NCR, as soon as the first snowfall of the season was witnessed in Himachal in mid-November 2023.