Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Himachal Hotel Association Demands Action Against Touts Disrupting Tourism
Hotel owners in a mountain city called Shimla are worried.
Some people who offer services like guiding or driving taxis are bothering tourists too much.
These people chase cars, try to force visitors into certain hotels to get paid, and cause traffic jams.
The hotel owners believe this is bad for tourism and that the rules against this behavior aren't being followed.
They have asked the police to step in and stop these disruptive actions.
They want visitors to feel safe and have a good experience in their beautiful city.
Hotel associations in Himachal Pradesh are demanding police action against touts who are allegedly disrupting tourism in Shimla.
Touts, unregistered guides, porters, and taxi drivers are accused of chasing tourist vehicles and forcing visitors into hotels for commissions.
These activities are reported to be causing significant traffic congestion and jams, particularly in the capital city, Shimla.
The Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations stated that these practices are prohibited under the Tourism Act but are not being enforced.
Concerns include tarnishing Himachal Pradesh's image as a safe tourist destination and potential risks to pedestrians, including schoolchildren.
- Who
- The Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations (FOHHRA) and the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association
- What
- Called for immediate police action against touts, unregistered guides, porters, and taxi drivers allegedly disrupting tourism and causing traffic congestion.
- When
- Sunday (statement released)
- Where
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Why
- To stop malpractices that discredit the state's tourism industry, harass tourists, cause traffic jams, and pose risks to pedestrians.
Hotel Association Concerns
Current Situation & Tourism Act
Harassment of Tourists
Hotel Association Concerns
Touts, unregistered guides, porters, and taxi drivers chase tourist vehicles, stop them, and force them to hotels for commissions.
Current Situation & Tourism Act
These actions are explicitly prohibited under the Tourism Act.
Traffic Congestion
Hotel Association Concerns
The aggressive chasing and stopping of vehicles by touts cause significant traffic congestion and jams, particularly in Shimla.
Current Situation & Tourism Act
The lack of enforcement of the Tourism Act allows these practices to continue unchecked.
Image of Destination
Hotel Association Concerns
The aggressive behavior of touts scares tourists, tarnishes the image of Himachal Pradesh as a safe destination, and affects allied tourism industries.
Current Situation & Tourism Act
While the Act prohibits such activities, its provisions are not implemented or followed, leading to the suffering of the tourism sector.
- Organization
- Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations (FOHHRA)
- Location of Concern
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Issue
- Dominance and harassment by touts, unregistered guides, porters, and taxi drivers.
- Alleged Malpractices
- Chasing tourist vehicles, forcing tourists into hotels for commissions, causing traffic jams.
- Registered Tourist Guides in State
- 1,741
- Registered Tourist Guides in Shimla
- 409
- Legal Violation
- Running after tourists and vehicles is prohibited under the Tourism Act.
