Journalists will no longer get special discount in HPTDC hotels

Shimla, September 13: The special discount being given to government-recognized journalists in HPTDC hotels for the last six months has been discontinued. In fact, from this year, accredited journalists were getting 30 to 50 percent discount on staying in tourism hotels. Now according to the latest orders issued by the government, journalists will not get this discount.

The government was giving the facility of special discount since March

Journalists were getting this facility since last March. Tourism Development Corporation Chairman and Congress MLA RS Bali had announced to give discount to journalists and Himachali soldiers serving in the army on staying in tourism hotels.

Regarding this, the state government had issued a notification on March 25, 2024, under which 50 percent discount was being given on staying in tourism hotels in off season and 30 percent discount in on season. Also, journalists and soldiers staying in the hotel were given an additional 30% discount on food.

Now the state government has withdrawn this notification. However, it has also been clarified in the new notification that the 25% discount that accredited journalists were getting on food in tourism hotels will continue.

It is worth noting that HPTDC is operating a total of 55 hotels. Out of these, 35 hotels are running in loss and only 20 hotels are earning well. Lack of staff and lack of promotion in tourism hotels is also considered to be the main reason for the decline in business. Due to running in loss, the salary of hotel employees is also being delayed every month.