Shimla, Feb. 11 -- In a major step to boost tourism and improve occupancy in government-run hotels, the Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation (HPTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The initiative combines IRCTC's expertise in rail tourism with HPTDC's hospitality services and local cuisine. The statement said that by aligning with one of the largest transportation networks in the country, HPTDC will gain pan-India visibility.

Focusing on leveraging the heritage Kalka-Shimla toy train and pan-India railway tourism network, the MoU aims to attract more tourists to Himachal by integrating IRCTC's rail-based tour packages with HPTDC hotels, particul...