Shimla News
35 hotels of HPTDC are in loss, only 20 are in profit
35 of the 55 hotels managed by the HPTDC are currently running at a loss, while only 20 hotels are running at a profit.
Shimla, September 03: The financial difficulties of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), a government-owned body, were highlighted in a session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly today. Sukhram Chaudhary of the BJP raised a question that laid bare the bitter truth facing the corporation: 35 of the 55 hotels managed by the HPTDC are currently running at a loss, while only 20 hotels are running at a profit.
The chief minister, while answering the question, confirmed that about 65% of the HPTDC hotels are struggling financially, highlighting significant concerns about the management and strategic direction of the corporation. The revelation has triggered widespread discussion about the challenges faced by the HPTDC in the highly competitive hospitality industry.
Many of the loss-making hotels are prime properties located at major pilgrimage sites, including Chintapurni and Jwalaji. Despite their strategic locations, these hotels have failed to attract enough tourists, raising questions about the efficiency of the HPTDC’s management and its marketing strategies.
Several factors contribute to the financial struggles of these government hotels. Inadequate maintenance and poor services are driving away tourists, and many are opting for private accommodations, which offer better facilities and overall experience. Even in popular tourist destinations like Kullu-Manali, Dalhousie and Chamba, HPTDC hotels are struggling to maintain profitability due to poor maintenance.
Further, the corporation’s inability to effectively promote lesser-known destinations like Rohru and Khadapathar has resulted in underutilization of resources and missed revenue opportunities. The prices of HPTDC hotels, which often do not compete with private hotels offering better services, have further deepened the financial crisis.
However, there are some exceptions in the HPTDC portfolio that demonstrate the potential for success. Hotels like Gaurikund and Lake View Bilaspur have shown that with proper management, targeted marketing and competitive pricing, profitability can be achieved.
