Evaluating the Availability of Accommodation Facilities in Janjehli Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. Volume 4 Issue 5 [SepOct] 2025 457 © 2024 Virender, Dr. Hem Raj Rana. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Research Paper Evaluating the Availability of Accommodation Facilities in Janjehli Valley, Himachal Pradesh Virender 1*, Dr. Hem Raj Rana 2 1 Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India 2 Associate Professor, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India Corresponding Author: *Virender DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17458407 Abstract Manuscript Information Tourism development in hill destinations largely depends on the quality and availability of accommodation facilities. This study evaluates the availability of accommodation amenities provided by tourism service providers in Janjehli Valley, a rapidly emerging destination in Himachal Pradesh. Primary data were collected from accommodation establishments to assess the presence of twelve essential facilities, including 24-hour water supply, safe drinking water, air-conditioned rooms, internet connectivity, generator backup, and electronic payment options. A Chi-Square goodness-of-fit test was applied to examine whether the distribution of these facilities was uniform across service providers. The analysis revealed significant disparities in facility provision (χ² = 114.60, p < 0.001), indicating that while basic amenities such as 24-hour water supply (96%) and electricity (90%) are widely available, modern facilities like air-conditioned rooms (24%), gardens (18%), and generator backups (14%) are relatively scarce. The findings highlight an urgent need to improve the availability of advanced amenities to enhance tourist satisfaction and promote sustainable tourism in the region. This study provides empirical insights useful for policymakers, tourism planners, and stakeholders aiming to strengthen accommodation infrastructure and boost the valley’s tourism potential. ▪ ISSN No: 2583-7397 ▪ Received: 03-09-2025 ▪ Accepted: 13-10-2025 ▪ Published: 27-10-2025 ▪ IJCRM:4(5); 2025:457-460 ▪ ©2025, All Rights Reserved ▪ Plagiarism Checked: Yes ▪ Peer Review Process: Yes How to Cite this Manuscript Virender, Rana HR. Evaluating the Availability of Accommodation Facilities in Janjehli Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Int J Contemp Res Multidiscip. 2025;4(5):457-460. KEYWORDS: Tourism development; Accommodation facilities; Janjehli Valley; Himachal Pradesh; Chi-Square Goodness of Fit; Tourism infrastructure; Facility availability; Tourist satisfaction; Sustainable tourism; Tourism planning 1. INTRODUCTION Tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, contributing significantly to economic growth, employment generation, and regional development (UNWTO, 2023). Among the various components of tourism infrastructure, accommodation facilities play a pivotal role in shaping tourists’ experiences and influencing their destination choices. According to Inskeep (1991), the availability of suitable lodging options directly affects the length of stay, expenditure patterns, and overall satisfaction of visitors. As competition among destinations intensifies, the quality and diversity of accommodation offerings have become essential indicators of a region’s tourism potential. In India, tourism has evolved into a key sector of economic and cultural importance, supported by the country’s diverse landscapes, heritage sites, and natural attractions (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, 2023). The Himalayan region, particularly Himachal Pradesh, has emerged as a prominent tourism hub due to its scenic valleys, snow-clad peaks, and cultural heritage. Himachal Pradesh attracted nearly 17.2 million tourists in 2023, making tourism a major contributor to its regional economy (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, 2023). Within this context, Janjehli Valley, located Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. Volume 4 Issue 5 [SepOct] 2025 458 © 2024 Virender, Dr. Hem Raj Rana. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ in the Mandi district, has recently gained attention as an emerging eco-tourism and adventure tourism destination. Known for its pristine landscapes, lush meadows, and trekking routes, the valley holds immense potential for attracting domestic and international tourists. However, despite its growing popularity, Janjehli Valley faces several challenges in developing a sustainable tourism infrastructure. Studies have highlighted that the growth of tourism in emerging hill destinations often surpasses the pace of infrastructure development, resulting in inconsistencies in the provision of essential facilities (Buhalis, 2000; Butler, 1980). Accommodation facilities, in particular, are crucial for ensuring tourist comfort and satisfaction, yet limited empirical studies have assessed their availability and adequacy in Janjehli Valley. Addressing this research gap is vital for supporting evidencebased planning and promoting balanced tourism development in the region. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Accommodation facilities represent a crucial element in determining the overall tourism potential and sustainability of a destination. Their availability, distribution, and quality directly influence tourist satisfaction, duration of stay, and economic benefits to local communities. Studies have shown that adequate accommodation infrastructure enhances accessibility, diversifies visitor experiences, and supports regional development, particularly in rural and mountain destinations (Dogra, 2018; Negi, 2019). Conversely, inadequate or poorly managed facilities can limit tourist inflow and strain local resources during peak seasons (Gössling, Hall, & Scott, 2015). The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2023) emphasizes that assessing accommodation availability involves not only counting rooms and beds but also considering affordability, service quality, and sustainability. Researchers further highlight that spatial imbalance in lodging facilities concentrated near prime attractions but scarce in peripheral areas can affect the equitable distribution of tourism benefits (Cresswell, 2013; Goodchild, 2006). Therefore, evaluating the availability of accommodation facilities requires a multidimensional approach that integrates quantitative capacity assessment with qualitative indicators of comfort, accessibility, and environmental responsibility to ensure balanced and sustainable tourism growth (Baños-Pino, Pérez, & García, 2024; Corboș, Bunea, & Moncea, 2025). Study Area Janjehli Valley, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene and picturesque destination nestled in the mid-Himalayan ranges. Known for its lush green landscapes, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams, the valley offers a tranquil environment away from urban hustle. It is rich in cultural heritage, with local villages preserving traditional Himachal lifestyles, customs, and festivals. The area is also recognized for its potential in rural and eco-tourism, attracting visitors interested in trekking, nature exploration, and experiencing the local culture. Despite its natural beauty, the valley has limited accommodation and basic infrastructure, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism development to balance ecological preservation with visitor convenience. 3. METHODOLOGY The study on “Evaluating the Availability of Accommodation Facilities in Janjehli Valley, Himachal Pradesh” is based on primary data collected through a structured survey of local accommodation providers, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. The survey recorded the availability of facilities such as 24-hour water supply, electricity, internet, e-payment, airconditioned rooms, and other basic amenities. A total of 200 observations were analysed. To examine whether the distribution of facilities differed from expected availability, a Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test was applied. Observed frequencies were compared with expected frequencies under the assumption of uniform facility provision, revealing significant variation in amenities offered. This approach provides a clear understanding of facility gaps and helps guide planning for improved accommodation infrastructure in the valley. Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Test Formula 𝜒2= ∑ (𝑂𝑖− 𝐸𝑖)2 𝐸𝑖 Where: • 𝜒2= Chi-Square test statistic • 𝑂𝑖= Observed frequency of the 𝑖𝑡ℎcategory • 𝐸𝑖= Expected frequency of the 𝑖𝑡ℎcategory • ∑= Summation over all categories 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1.1 presents the analysis of facilities provided by accommodation providers in Janjehli Valley using the ChiSquare Goodness of Fit Test. The table lists twelve essential facilities, including 24-hour water supply, filtered drinking water, air-conditioned rooms, television, internet connection, generator backup, transport for sightseeing, tourist guides, garden, e-booking, e-payment, and 24-hour electricity. This test was applied to determine whether the observed distribution of these facilities differs significantly from a uniform distribution, i.e., whether all facilities are equally available across accommodation units. Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. Volume 4 Issue 5 [SepOct] 2025 459 © 2024 Virender, Dr. Hem Raj Rana. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Table 1.1: Chi-Square Goodness of Fit for Facilities Provided by Accommodation Providers S. No. Facility Observed Frequency (O) Expected Frequency (E) (O − E) ² / E 1 24-hour water supply 48 26.25 18.02 2 Filtered drinking water 33 26.25 1.74 3 Air-conditioned rooms 12 26.25 7.74 4 Television set 39 26.25 6.19 5 Internet connection 13 26.25 6.69 6 Generator backup 7 26.25 14.12 7 Transport for sightseeing 37 26.25 4.4 8 Tourist guide 14 26.25 5.72 9 Garden 9 26.25 11.34 10 E-booking 11 26.25 8.86 11 E-payment 47 26.25 16.4 12 24 hours electricity 45 26.25 13.39 Total 315 315 114.6 Sources: Primary Survey The observed frequency (O) represents the actual number of establishments offering each facility as recorded during the primary survey, whereas the expected frequency (E) assumes equal availability of each facility across all surveyed units. For this study, the expected frequency was set at 26.25 for each facility. The column (O − E) ² / E shows the contribution of each facility to the overall Chi-Square statistic, indicating the extent to which each observed frequency deviates from the expected uniform distribution. The total Chi-Square value was calculated as 114.6, which exceeds the critical value at the 0.05 significance level with 11 degrees of freedom. This result confirms that the availability of facilities in accommodation units is not uniform and varies significantly across different types of amenities. A closer look at the data reveals distinct patterns: High availability: Basic and essential services such as 24-hour water supply (48), 24-hour electricity (45), e-payment (47), television (39), and transport for sightseeing (37) are widely provided. This indicates that accommodation providers prioritize fundamental utilities and services that directly influence comfort and convenience for tourists. Moderate availability: Facilities like filtered drinking water (33) are moderately available, suggesting partial awareness of guest preferences or resource limitations. Low availability: Comfort and supplementary services such as air-conditioned rooms (12), internet connection (13), tourist guide services (14), garden (9), generator backup (7), and ebooking (11) are provided by relatively few units. This points to a significant gap in service offerings that could affect the attractiveness of accommodations for visitors seeking modern conveniences or digital accessibility. These results reflect the current infrastructure scenario in Janjehli Valley, where most accommodation providers focus on essential utilities while amenities related to comfort, technology, and enhanced services remain limited. The lack of facilities like air-conditioning, reliable internet, and generator backup could influence visitor satisfaction, especially during peak tourist seasons or periods of adverse weather and power outages. Additionally, the limited provision of e-booking and digital payment facilities indicates a slower adoption of technological solutions, which may restrict the accessibility of these accommodations to tech-savvy tourists or online booking platforms. From a planning and policy perspective, these findings have important implications: 1. Infrastructure Improvement: Local authorities and tourism development agencies should consider incentivizing investments in supplementary facilities to improve the overall quality and competitiveness of accommodations. 2. Capacity Building: Training programs can help accommodation providers adopt digital solutions like ebooking and online payment systems to increase visibility and accessibility. 3. Tourism Planning: Understanding the uneven distribution of facilities can assist in managing tourist expectations and directing investments toward areas where gaps are most pronounced, thereby enhancing the sustainability and attractiveness of the valley as a tourist destination. 5. CONCLUSION The study of accommodation facilities in Janjehli Valley reveals significant disparities in the availability of essential and supplementary amenities. The Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test confirmed that the distribution of facilities across accommodation providers is not uniform, with basic utilities such as 24-hour water supply, electricity, and e-payment widely available, while comfort-related and technologically advanced services, including air-conditioned rooms, internet connectivity, generator backup, gardens, and e-booking, remain limited. This uneven provision highlights both strengths and gaps in the valley’s accommodation infrastructure. The findings underscore the need for targeted improvements to enhance visitor satisfaction and support sustainable tourism growth. Upgrading facilities, promoting digital adoption, and improving comfort-oriented amenities can increase the attractiveness of the region to a wider range of tourists. Moreover, understanding these gaps provides valuable insights for policymakers and local tourism authorities to plan interventions that balance infrastructure development with Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. Volume 4 Issue 5 [SepOct] 2025 460 © 2024 Virender, Dr. Hem Raj Rana. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ environmental sustainability and community benefits. Overall, while Janjehli Valley offers adequate basic accommodation services, strategic enhancements are essential to elevate service quality and ensure the valley’s competitiveness as a desirable tourist destination. REFERENCES 1. Ajuhari Z, Ahmad R, Ismail N. Assessing carrying capacity in sustainable tourism: A systematic review. Sustainability. 2023;15(4):3474. doi:10.3390/su15043474 2. Baños-Pino JF, Pérez MA, García C. Optimal carrying capacity in rural tourism destinations. J Destin Manag. 2024;12(2):101–18. 3. Bhatia AK. Tourism development: Principles and practices. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers; 2020. 4. Buhalis D. Marketing the competitive destination of the future. Tourism Manag. 2000;21(1):97–116. doi:10.1016/S0261-5177(99)00095-3 5. Butler RW. The concept of a tourist area cycle of evolution: Implications for management of resources. Can Geogr. 1980;24(1):5–12. doi:10.1111/j.1541-0064.1980.tb00970.x 6. Corboș R-A, Bunea O-I, Moncea MI. Tourism infrastructure investment and its impact on destination development: A review. Ann Bucharest Univ Econ Stud. 2025;25(1):15–29. 7. Cresswell T. Geography and place: A critical introduction. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell; 2013. p.12. 8. Dogra A. Cultural and rural tourism in the Himalayas: Case studies from Himachal Pradesh: Himalayan Publishing; 2018. p.73–90. 9. Goodchild MF. Geographic information science. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2006. 10. Gössling S, Hall CM, Scott D. Tourism and water. Bristol: Channel View Publications; 2015. 11. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Tourism statistics 2023 [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://hptdc.in 12. Inskeep E. Tourism planning: An integrated and sustainable development approach. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold; 1991. 13. Kolesárová S. Customer reviews and accommodation selection: An empirical analysis. Economies. 2024;12(3):224–38. 14. Long C, Zhang Y, Wang L. Tourism environmental carrying capacity: Frameworks and applications. Environ Res Commun. 2022;4(8):850–63. 15. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. India tourism statistics at a glance 2023 [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://tourism.gov.in 16. Negi J. Spiritual tourism in Himachal Pradesh: The case of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. New Delhi: Sage Publications India; 2019. p.110–25. 17. Rana P, Sharma K, Kaur N. Accommodation infrastructure and tourist satisfaction in hill destinations: Evidence from Himachal Pradesh. Tourism Recreat Res. 2020;45(3):341– 56. 18. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). International tourism highlights. Madrid: UNWTO; 2023. Available from: https://www.unwto.org 19. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Tourism statistics: Accommodation demand and capacity. Madrid: UNWTO; 2023. Creative Commons (CC) License This article is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. About the corresponding author Virender is a Research Scholar in the Department of Geography at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. His research focuses on geographical studies and regional development. With a keen interest in environmental issues and spatial analysis, he aims to contribute to sustainable development and geographical research in India.