Himachal Pradesh : Himachal Tourism to Partner with IRCTC for Pilgrimage Packages, Eyes New Revenue Streams

Recognising the rising demand for religious and spiritual tourism, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is planning to collaborate with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to design special tourism packages for pilgrims and other visitors.

The HPTDC recorded a revenue of Rs 108.67 crore in 2024–25, supported by a series of new initiatives aimed at enhancing earnings and upgrading its properties to deliver more professional and customer-focused services. Alongside the proposed IRCTC partnership, the corporation is also planning to introduce a platinum card for frequent travellers, premium clients and institutional customers.

“In another initiative, HPTDC is also exploring entry into the foreign exchange business by offering money exchange facilities at its marketing offices, subject to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India,” said Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director, HPTDC.

With a network of 56 hotels and restaurants across the state, HPTDC has undertaken multiple measures during 2024–25 to strengthen its revenue base and improve its financial position. The corporation signed an agreement with online travel platform MakeMyTrip to boost occupancy through its OTA presence, generating an additional Rs 2 crore in revenue, paid in advance by the platform.

Kumar said various HPTDC units have signed 197 memoranda of understanding with private and government organisations to generate business, resulting in a profit of Rs 1.1 crore. The corporation has also partnered with Swiggy and Zomato in Shimla, Dharamsala, Palampur, Manali and Rampur to enhance food and beverage sales. In addition, HPTDC’s entry into outdoor catering for corporate events and private functions has earned Rs 99 lakh.

HPTDC has also signed an MoU with the Himachal Pradesh Civil Supplies Corporation to ensure a steady supply chain for its hotels and restaurants. As part of its refurbishment drive, renovation work at Hotel Kumal in Dharamsala and the log huts at Manali has been completed.

Further, renovation projects are underway at Hotel Rohtang Manalsu in Manali at a cost of Rs 36.19 crore, Hotel Naggar Castle at Rs 8.63 crore and Hotel Silver Moon in Kullu at Rs 20.57 crore. Renovation of additional units, including Hotel Hamir (Hamirpur), Holiday Home (Shimla), Meghdoot (Kiarighat), Hotel Renuka (Renuka) and Hotel Jwala Ji, will also begin soon, with work already awarded to contractors.

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