Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Partners with 50 Travel Portals, Pauses Leasing of Six Hotels

In a move aimed at boosting profitability, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has entered into partnerships with 50 travel portals to facilitate online bookings across its properties. This step comes in the wake of the state cabinet’s decision in June this year to hand over 14 hotels and restaurants to private operators on an operations and management (O&M) basis.

Currently, six of these hotels have been excluded from the list of properties to be leased. Amid increasing competition from private players, HPTDC is exploring ways to transform itself into a more profitable enterprise while leveraging its longstanding presence in prime locations across the state.

For decades, HPTDC has been a recognized brand in Himachal Pradesh, offering hospitality services in areas where private hotels were sparse or limited in number. In fact, in regions like Kinnaur and Chamba, HPTDC properties were the only available accommodations just a few decades ago.

Encouraged by the ₹107 crore profit it earned last year, the corporation is implementing various initiatives to enhance its profitability and improve service standards.

“Our priority in today’s highly competitive environment is to offer quality services to our guests,” said HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Bali. “We are committed to delivering professional services at our properties located in key destinations.”

Acknowledging that some of HPTDC’s hotels are in urgent need of renovation, Bali added that efforts are underway to secure funding from the state government to give these properties the much-needed facelift.

The six properties currently held back from leasing include Roscommon Old (Kasauli), Sarvari (Kullu), Apple Blossom (Fagu), Lakeview (Bilaspur), Mamleshwar (Chindi-Mandi), Chanchal (Rohru), and Wayside Amenity (Bhararighat-Solan).

“We have received a letter from the government stating that these six properties will not be leased at this time. However, the final approval will have to come from the cabinet,” Bali noted. He further explained that since the decision to involve private companies for the 14 properties was made by the cabinet, any changes would require cabinet approval.

The next cabinet meeting is scheduled for September 15, where the matter is expected to be discussed further.