
War clouds hit Raj tourism as booking cancellations begin
1
2
Jaipur: The
Pahalgam terrorist attack
and Operation Sindoor have impacted the tourism industry where it hurts the most. Cancellations of bookings for the upcoming tourist season have already started, making the industry apprehensive of foreign tourists skipping the state, especially destinations in border areas.
It took almost four years to overcome the Covid impact on overseas travel movement, with
foreign tourist arrivals
crossing the levels of 2019 in 2024. However, the possibility of a military confrontation with Pak and the insecure atmosphere of the fallout increased uncertainty among tourists.
Surendra Singh Shahpura, senior vice president of Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), said, "Even a single skirmish often leads to weeks or months of 'avoid travel' advisories from embassies.
For luxury travellers from Europe, US, and Australia, Rajasthan is seen as a leisure destination. Any perception of war, even hundreds of kilometres away, triggers mass cancellations."
He mentioned that many tour operators are delaying bookings for the coming season. "Border towns like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer are geographically close to any
Indo-Pak conflict
escalation zone. These are not just military-sensitive zones but also tourism hubs."
Ranvijay Singh Rathore, senior vice president of Hotel Federation of Rajasthan (HFR), said tourism is not just seasonal; rather, it is sensitive to perception, peace, and political stability.
"The recent five-day Indo-Pak conflict erased an entire upcoming tourism season for several regions. Not just a few cancellations or reschedules, but a complete halt in forward bookings. It shook confidence and disrupted travel sentiment," he said, adding that while other industries may see gradual slowdowns during crises, tourism sees overnight collapses. "A negative news cycle or even a sensationalised media narrative can undo months of marketing efforts in a matter of hours," he said.
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- Time of India
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The Print
13 hours ago
- The Print
Himachal opens Shipki La pass to tourists. Significance of historical link for trade & pilgrimage
As he opened the pass for domestic tourists, Sukhu became only the second state chief minister to visit the high-altitude pass after Yashwant Singh Parmar. Former prime minister Indira Gandhi visited the region 1968. The strategic pass near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) may also work as a new route for the sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The tourism initiative, launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Tuesday, also aims to bolster the local economy and foster cultural exchange in the remote border region. Kalpa (Kinnaur): Himachal Pradesh has opened the Shipki La pass, a motorable mountain pass at an altitude of 3,930 metres in the tribal Kinnaur district, to domestic tourists, a significant step towards revitalising border tourism and reviving hopes of resuming India-China trade through the route stalled since 2020. The state government secured the Ministry of Defence's approval to open border areas, including Shipki La, Lepcha, Giu, and Rani Kanda to domestic visitors, easing restrictions imposed due to security concerns. 'Tourists can now experience the pristine beauty of Shipki La, one of the highest motorable passes in the region,' Sukhu said at a public gathering at the pass. 'This initiative will strengthen the local economy, create employment opportunities, and boost tourism in Kinnaur's border areas.' He urged the central government to engage with China to restart trade through the pass and to consider Shipki La as a viable route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Also Read: Why Himachal is unwilling to release water for long-delayed Kishau multipurpose project A historical trade route Shipki La, through which the Sutlej River (known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet) enters India, has long served as a vital trade corridor between India and Tibet. Historically, it facilitated the exchange of 37 export items from India—such as agricultural implements, copper products, clothes, tea, and spices—and 20 import items from China, such as wool, raw silk, yak tails, and herbal medicines. Trade through the pass resumed in 1992 after a hiatus following the 1962 India-China war but faced setbacks in recent years due to geopolitical tensions, notably the Doklam standoff, and was completely halted in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 'There are immense possibilities for trade and cultural exchange through Shipki La,' Sukhu said. 'We will raise the matter of restarting trade with the central government to restore this centuries-old route.' Hishey Negi, the president of the Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association, wrote to the Kinnaur deputy commissioner last month to expedite discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs to resume trade from 1 June. He requested 150 trade passes for local traders, emphasising the economic lifeline that the trade provides to border villages. Namgya Panchayat pradhan Baldev Negi shared historical context with ThePrint, recalling a trade treaty signed centuries ago between the princely states of Ladakh, Rampur Bushahr, and Guge in Tibet. 'The treaty was signed at a location called Lauhche, now in Tibet,' he said. 'I heard this from my elders. It was related to trade among these regions.' Norbu Chhoria, a former pradhan, provided further insights into the pass' history. 'The old name of Shipki La was Pema La, or Shared Gate, also known as Shared Pass. It was declared the Line of Actual Control post-1962, and later, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police named it Shipki La.' वर्षों के इंतज़ार के बाद शिपकी-ला अब पर्यटकों के लिए पूरी तरह खुल चुका है। यह केवल एक पर्यटन स्थल ही नहीं, बल्कि हिमाचल की संस्कृति, साहस और शांति से जुड़ने का एक द्वार है। शिपकी-ला न सिर्फ़ सैलानियों का स्वागत करेगा, बल्कि क्षेत्र की आर्थिकी को नया जीवन देगा। — CMO HIMACHAL (@CMOFFICEHP) June 10, 2025 A potential pilgrimage route Beyond trade, Shipki La holds spiritual significance as a potential gateway for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. 'I will meet the prime minister and present the case for starting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Shipki La, which could be the easiest route for pilgrims,' Sukhu said. Saraswati Negi, local Mahila Mandal Pradhan, elaborated on the route's feasibility to serve this purpose. 'There is a route from Shipki La to Kailash Manasarovar. The Chinese road extends up to Shipki village, with a 4-kilometer path in between. It used to take 15 days on horseback to reach Kailash Manasarovar. This route was specially prepared for trade, but it can serve pilgrims too.' She added, 'Opening this route for tourism and pilgrimage will create employment opportunities for the youth of our villages.' The pass' location, close to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, makes it a compelling alternative to existing pilgrimage routes, which often involve longer and more arduous journeys. Also Read: 'This wealth is Himachal's, we deserve rightful share,' says CM Sukhu amid Punjab-Haryana water row Boosting tourism & local economy The opening of Shipki La to tourists is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, which share a 240-km border with China. Tourists can access the pass via the Shimla-Kinnaur Highway, taking a detour near Khab village. Entry requires valid identity documents such as an Aadhaar card, and is strictly monitored by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on a daily basis. Overnight stays at the pass are prohibited to maintain security. Revenue Minister and Kinnaur MLA Jagat Singh Negi underscored how the tourism initiative would address the region's economic challenges. 'This is a significant step to boost tourism in the border district,' he said. 'It will help locals financially, and curb migration from remote areas of Kinnaur, where economic opportunities have been limited since the suspension of the trade.' Tenzin, a resident of Nako village, echoed the sentiment, 'Trade is not just a part of our history but a source of livelihood for many. Its resumption, alongside tourism, is crucial for our survival.' Lalit Negi, a resident of Kalpa, said, 'Opening Shipki La will bring visitors beyond the explored valleys of Kinnaur, directly benefiting local communities through increased economic activity.' The state government has also requested the central government to engage with China to resume livestock trade and other exchanges, signaling a proactive approach to restoring economic ties. Despite the enthusiasm, significant challenges remain. The suspension of trade since 2020 has strained local economies, and ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and China complicate efforts to resume cross-border trade activities. The state government, however, remains committed to overcoming these hurdles through dialogue with the central government, MLA Negi said. 'We have requested the Centre to engage with China to resume livestock trade and other exchanges,' he said, adding the success of these efforts will also depend on diplomatic progress and the resolution of security concerns along the LAC. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)


Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Himachal Pradesh Border Tourism: Himachal CM Launches Border Tourism Initiative at Shipki La, Plans Mansarovar Yatra Access, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched border tourism activities from Shipki La in tribal Kinnaur district along the Indo-Tibet-China border , stating that the state would now work towards opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route through the Indo-Tibet-China border."Now that we have opened this border point for tourism, our next focus will be on opening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route from here. Mount Kailash is just 92 kilometres from this point," Sukhu said addressing a gathering at Namgya village, located near the high-altitude Shipki Pass, around 310 km from Chief Minister said discussions with the Central Government and necessary coordination with Chinese authorities would be required, but added, "If approvals come, this will become the most accessible and shortest route for the yatra from Indian territory."The Chief Minister recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's visit to the Shipki Pass nearly six decades ago."She travelled here on horseback to spread the message of national unity. That spirit lives on as we reopen this site for tourism. Our next step must be to establish the Mansarovar Yatra route from here," he saidThe initiative marks a significant move to boost eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities in the high-altitude tribal belt. The region, which once functioned as a traditional Indo-Tibet trade route, had remained closed to tourism due to security and pandemic-related the decision, Indar Singh, a former Pradhan of Namgya, said: "I thank the state government for this historic decision. The opening of Shipki La will create employment for educated but jobless youth in the area. This will increase income, promote tourism, and help revive our economy."Singh recalled the historical significance of the region, noting that in 1968, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had travelled to the Shipki Pass on horseback, a moment etched in local memory."This pass was earlier open for trade with Tibet. We had a barter system under the Indo-China Trade Circuit, which was shut down during COVID. We want the government to consider now reopening the trade route as well," he Dolkar, a local woman, said the move would significantly help locals involved in tourism."This is a great step. It will benefit taxi drivers, villagers, and hotel operators. More tourists will mean more jobs," she local resident, Sarswati Negi, said, "This tourism opening will give opportunities to local youth who are unemployed. They can now start businesses. I also hope this helps us get access to the Mansarovar Yatra in the future. Roads need widening, and proper facilities like parking must be developed."Baldev Singh Negi, Pradhan of the Namgya Gram Panchayat, echoed the need for improved infrastructure."I thank CM Sukhu and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Educated, unemployed youth will benefit. This region has trekking routes and an 800-year-old temple with a natural idol of Lama Ji. But roads are narrow and must be widened," he on the occasion, Tribal Development, Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said the move held both strategic and emotional significance for the locals."Some limited trade was ongoing earlier, but it was halted during COVID. We are now working to develop infrastructure and explore possibilities of reviving trade as well," he state government has also acknowledged the need for other facilities. Locals have demanded a parking facility for at least 100 vehicles and better road access to the tourism move is expected to bring economic activity to the remote villages near the border, while also reinforcing India's civilian presence in a strategically sensitive area along the Line of Actual Control.