Sun May 04 14:00:00 UTC 2025: **Dharamsala IPL Matches Fail to Boost Tourism Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions**
DHARAMSALA, INDIA – Despite hosting three upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, the hill station of Dharamsala has seen a disappointing tourist turnout. Hotel occupancy remains low, with only 70% in lower Dharamsala and a mere 35-40% in upper areas like McLeod Ganj, according to local hoteliers.
The subdued tourism is attributed primarily to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terror attack. While initial inquiries from tour operators looking to redirect tourists from Jammu and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh were promising, these have largely failed to materialize into bookings. Hoteliers report cancellations from groups in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and southern states due to fears of escalating conflict.
Ashwani Bamba, president of the Kangra hotel and restaurant association, stated that aggressive rhetoric on social media has significantly impacted tourism. Ravi Sharma, another hotelier, echoed these concerns, highlighting the fear of war as a major deterrent for tourists.
While the IPL matches are expected to draw crowds, particularly from neighboring Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, these visitors tend to book accommodations on arrival, offering little relief to the current low occupancy rates. Local authorities, however, are preparing for the influx, implementing a one-way traffic plan and deploying 1,000 police personnel for crowd control and security. The first match is scheduled for May 4th, with subsequent matches on May 8th and 11th at the Dharamsala International Cricket Stadium.
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