Manali hotels woo tourists for X-mas, New Year events

Stakeholders say early snowfall will give a boost to biz

Our Correspondent

Kullu, Updated At : 05:00 AM Dec 10, 2024 IST

Manali town witnessed the first snowfall of the season in the evening today. The tourists had a gala time enjoying the snowflakes on The Mall. The snowfall has brought cheers to the tourism beneficiaries as they are now hopeful of a good tourist rush on Christmas and New Year season. Businessmen associated with tourism industry have started preparations for the Christmas and New Year season here.

Attractive packages with dine and dance are being offered by various hospitality units and special deals are being offered to couples and honeymooners.

The tourist influx here is at its peak from December 25 to January 6, till the closure of the winter carnival. Bonfires are lit at various locations on the Mall road and DJs also enthrall the visitors in the evenings during this time. Various events are also held at Club House Manali and other hospitality units for the entertainment of the tourists.

Meanwhile, the influx of tourists has started increasing on the weekends. More than 80 luxury buses and 1,000 tourist vehicles from other states are arriving in Manali everyday and occupancy of the hotels has also increased to over 60 per cent. Rohtang Pass is closed, but Gulaba, Solang Nala, Atal Tunnel, Koksar and Sissu are open to tourists.

Tourism stakeholders say snowfall in the valley before New Year and Christmas is a boost for their business.

Manali tourism businessman Gagan said preparations were on for the New Year and Christmas and cleaning and painting work of hotels is also going on these days. He said, “Hotel staff is also being called back by the hotel owners and many types of attractive packages are being offered to attract tourists.”

Tourism businessman Ravi said their business had been slow in November and the number of tourists was expected to increase in the following days. He said, “Advance bookings have started and many types of attractive packages are being offered by the hospitality units and travel agents.” Caption: Tourists enjoying a stroll on the Mall Road in Manali.