Shimla, Mar 17 (Reporter) The Himachal Pradesh Travel Agents' Association (HPTAA), representing travel agencies across the state, on Sunday petitioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) expressing concern regarding the potential impact of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on the tourism industry. President of HPTAA Budhi Prakash Thakur and Secretary Suresh Sharma said in a letter to ECI that the election should be scheduled in the first phase in Himachal Pradesh, instead of in the seventh and last phase on June 1 as announced by the poll panel. The HPTAA claimed that during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, scheduling Himachal's elections in the final phase had a demonstrable negative effect on tourism. "Prolonged campaigning and frequent rallies discouraged tourist visitation, resulting in substantial losses for hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses," they said. 'We believe scheduling Himachal Pradesh's elections in the earlier phases would significantly mitigate these negative consequences,' they said. The state experiences a peak tourist season from April to June. Holding elections during this period directly clashes with tourist arrivals, leading to substantial revenue losses for the entire industry. HPTAA showed concern that extended campaigning periods disrupt regular business operations, creating uncertainty for tourists. Potential travel restrictions, roadblocks, and rallies lead to booking cancellations and decreased tourism activity. Increased movement of political personnel and campaign vehicles could strain transportation infrastructure, causing congestion, delays, and higher costs for tourists and businesses. They expressed apprehension that the increased focus of the media on political coverage may overshadow tourism promotions, reducing the visibility of the state's tourist attractions. Reduced tourism directly impacts the livelihoods of thousands of individuals employed in this sector, further impacting the state's economic well-being. They urged the ECI to consider scheduling Himachal Pradesh's Lok Sabha elections in the earlier phases, as this would significantly minimise the negative impact on the state's tourism industry, allowing it to flourish during the peak season and contribute optimally to the state's economic well-being. It is worthwhile to mention that the state witnessed a peak tourist influx from April to June, contributing approximately 75 per cent of the annual income of individuals dependent on tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the 2021 and 2022 seasons, leaving many hoteliers and businesses financially vulnerable. Furthermore, devastating floods and landslides in 2023 severely damaged infrastructure, keeping tourists away from July to November. The revival of roads and amenities is ongoing. Last year's rains and other factors also adversely impacted the previous peak season...////...