Mapping Himachal Pradesh's Tourism Trajectory: Insights into Temporal Trends and Geographical Patterns

Abstract

The tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past few decades, emerging as a crucial driver of economic development in the state. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the growth patterns, trends, and spatial distribution of tourists' arrival in Himachal Pradesh from 1990 to 2022. The study utilizes data obtained from the Office of Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Shimla, and other reliable sources to provide insights into the dynamics of domestic and foreign tourism in the region.

The paper first highlights the overall growth of tourists' arrival, showcasing a steady increase over the years, with a notable surge in the early 2000s. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to temporary declines, the tourism industry has shown resilience and adaptability. The analysis reveals varying growth rates and annual growth rates (AGR) for total, domestic, and foreign tourists' arrival, reflecting changing trends and market dynamics. The paper also delves into the spatial distribution of tourists' arrival across districts, identifying key hotspots such as Kullu, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamsala. These insights are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to focus on targeted promotional strategies and infrastructure development to harness the full potential of tourism in Himachal Pradesh