HimVani

Shimla: Generally, the hospitality industry in Himachal Pradesh hikes its rates during the tourist season - winters and summers - the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), surprisingly and unexpectedly has announced sops for tourists.

The corporation has doled out concessions on room tariffs ranging between 20 per cent and 30 per cent in all its hotels, with effect from November 15, 2007 to April 14, 2008. However, there would be no concessions on dormitory accommodation.

X-Mas/New Year fever
The discounts however would not be available during Christmas and New Year (December 23, 2007 to January 1, 2008). But, the government has arranged special programmes for the enjoyment of the tourists during this period, which includes Enchanting Gala Nights, Selection of best dancing Baby, Couple & New Year  Eve Prince and Princess, Competition in Balloon & Lemon Dance, Live Music, Dine N Dance, Rich feast of Fun n Marvellous Food including Himachali cuisine  and Merry Mood,  Welcome the New Year with Joy and Good Cheer will be the major attractions for the tourists.

Where?
These packages are available at Club House - Manali, Hotel Dhauladhar, Hotel Bhagsu and Club House - Dharamshala, Hotel Manimahesh - Dalhousie, Palace Hotel - Chail, Hotel Holiday Home and Peterhof - Shimla, Hotel Peach Blossom - Fagu, Hotel Pinewood - Barog, Hotel Hatu - Narkanda, Hotel Renuka and Yamuna - Paonta, Hotel Iravati - Chamba and Jwalaji Complex. The Manali Complex is also celebrating a week of festivities from December 24-31, 2007.

Skidding on snow
The HPTDC also has come up with a nine-day skiing package for students and general ski-lovers at Narkanda ranging between Rs 1,545 and Rs 5,600 per participant. The charges for the package are inclusive of all taxes, lunch, dinner, breakfast, lodging and equipments. A Skiing Certificate will be issued to the participant at the end of the term.

The variation of rates are based on room tariff. HPTDC has trained instructors from the Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports for imparting training in Skiing. The accommodation is available on twin sharing basis for adults and on sharing basis for three students in HPTDC Hotel Hatu, Narkanda. The packages will start as soon as Narkanda Skiing Slopes receive sufficient snow during the month of December and January, 2008.

Contact
For more information, log on to hptdc.gov.in or contact HPTDC Marketing and Information Offices in and outside the state.