Shimla, May 17 -- With tensions between India and Pakistan de-escalating and the situation returning to normal, tourism in Himachal Pradesh has begun to pick up again. The increasing temperatures in other parts of the country and pleasant weather in the hills are drawing tourists to Himachal Pradesh.

Tourism stakeholders, who had suffered a temporary slump, are now optimistic and smiling again, hopeful for a strong summer season.

The return of tourists has relieved many who depend on the travel industry for their livelihood. Among them is Maqsood, a Kashmiri migrant labourer who has been working as a porter at the Shimla Railway Station for over four decades, and has described the impact of recent geopolitical tensions on the local tour...