Shimla, Dec. 10: The hill town resort of Shimla today received its first snowfall, bringing cheer to both domestic and foreign tourists'.

"The winter season is peaking, and the snowfall will give a big boost to the tourism industry here, " said Hardyal Chauhan, a local resident.

Revellers thronging this cool and picturesque town, came out of their lodges, hotels and guest houses to enjoy the snowfall.

"I am here in India for two weeks. I am enjoying the weather here. It's lovely. It feels like home. It's very cool, wet and fresh, " said a Canadian tourist.

This early December snow is considered auspicious for apple growers residing in the upper reaches of Shimla. This early snowfall will benefit the tourism and horticulture sectors of the town.

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. As per the records available with the Department of Tourism, last winter Shimla played host to 4,77,507 domestic and 18,184 foreign tourists. The number is expected to increase this year. (ANI)