Kufri (H. P.), Nov 20 : Tourism industry in Himachal Pradesh state expects good business, as Kufri hill resort of the state received its first snowfall of the season on Thursday.

Kufri, near Shimla lay under a 30-cm thick blanket of snow.

Following the global economic meltdown, tourism industry is facing a downfall. Fresh snowfall has given a new ray of hope to the people related to tourism industry as they hope tourists will now start coming to the hill station.

“Global economic slump has affected the tourism business as well. Our business was facing a downfall and the industry was very monotonous. I believe that this snowfall will definitely attract tourists to Shimla. The charm of snow is always there for the people so we believe that tourists will start coming to Shimla now,” said Rajesh Mahajan, travel agent.

Tourists at the hill resort felt lucky and excited with the snowfall as they were seen playing with the snowballs and enjoying pony rides on the snow-covered hills.

“When I came out of my house, I saw a white snow cover all-around me. I haven''t seen such a magnificent scene ever in my life. I can''t express how happy I am after seeing this snow,” Hukam Chand, tourist from New Delhi.

Shimla and Kufri receive over fifty thousand tourists during the snow time in winters.

The economy of picturesque Himachal Pradesh is heavily dependent on tourism. More than three million domestic and foreign tourists visit the state annually.

In the winters, over five lakh domestic and foreign tourists throng Shimla. (ANI)