Dharamshala, May 3: The upcoming IPL matches in Dharamsala have not provided the expected tourism boost to the region, with hotel occupancy rates remaining subdued.
Local hoteliers report a 70% occupancy in lower Dharamsala for the coming week, while bookings in popular upper Dharamsala areas—such as McLeodganj, Bhagsunag, and Dharamkot—are significantly lower, at just 35-40%.
Hoteliers attribute the lackluster tourist turnout to heightened tensions with Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Ashwani Bamba, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Kangra, noted that while there was an initial increase in inquiries from tour operators seeking to reroute groups from Jammu and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh, these have not translated into confirmed bookings.
“The aggressive rhetoric on electronic and social media has negatively impacted tourism,” Bamba said.
He further added that several tourist groups from Maharashtra and Gujarat had canceled their trips due to fears of escalating conflict between India and Pakistan.
Despite these challenges, the district administration is gearing up for the influx of visitors expected during the IPL matches.
Kangra SSP Shalini Agnihotri has announced a one-way traffic plan for match days to ease congestion.
In addition, approximately 1,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure security and maintain order during the events.
The first IPL match in Dharamsala is scheduled for May 4, with Punjab Kings XI facing Lucknow Super Giants.
The following matches will feature Punjab Kings XI against Delhi Capitals on May 8, and Punjab Kings XI vs Mumbai Indians on May 11 at the Dharamsala International Cricket Stadium.
