One of the most popular hill stations in India is Kullu-Manali, which has experienced a significant decrease in tourist arrivals after New Year celebrations. Almost 80% of the rooms at Manali hotels were booked during the holidays, and now only 40% are left, according to local hoteliers.
The period of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, however, brought more visitors and revived the tourism sector after months of moderate activity. Anup Thakur, the President of Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, stated that a large number of tourists had come for a vacation during the festival. However, the ending of the Christmas and New Year festivities has brought about a slow expansion of the local hospitality industry festival.
“It is strange that tourists have suddenly declined in the numbers,” Thakur pointed out. Thus, it is hard to tell the causes behind this fall. Despite the setback, the tourism representatives optimistically hint at the “resurrection” of the sector in the next few weeks.
Hoteliers contend that Manali’s plentiful snowfall not only provides a lot of winter sports activities but also offers the scenic beauty that the place boasts, and this is getting more people to visit the site once again. He added, “This is the right time to go to Manali and see how it looks when it gets covered in snow.” —Thakur.
The number of vehicles that come to Manali per day was slightly more than 2,000 during the New Year, but it has dropped to an average of 1,500 festival days. However, the spots continue to keep the party alive for the tourists. The different tourist places in Himachal, like the Hidimba Temple, Solang Valley, and the Atal Tunnel’s North Portal, are still the top draws for tourists, and they still visit.
On the flip side, the tourists in the Solang Valley are trying out winter sports such as skiing and paragliding. As stated by the tourism promenade, people in Chuni Lal and Chaman are having a busy period as they are getting frequent visits from sports enthusiasts. “The snowfall has made it possible for us to have the best winter sports, which has created a new pull for adventure spectators,” they mentioned.
The dip in tourism has not dampened the spirits of the Manali Hoteliers Association. Its chief patron, Gajender Thakur, acknowledged the drop in arrivals but emphasized that the town remains vibrant. “The post-New Year phase may be quieter, but the atmosphere is far from dull,” he said.
Manali’s winter beauty is enhanced by its beautiful snowy mountains and its peaceful atmosphere so that every traveller finds the place alluring. The local businesses are looking forward to the snow to bring back the thriving condition of tourism. Further snowfall is anticipated in the next few days, which will potentially raise the number of visitors to the city.
Manali’s tourism industry has long relied on its picturesque landscapes and adventure sports to attract domestic and international visitors. Despite challenges like fluctuating tourist numbers, stakeholders have consistently adapted to keep the industry thriving.
Adventure enthusiasts and families alike find Manali an ideal destination for creating winter memories. From skiing on pristine slopes to enjoying warm hospitality, the hill station offers something for everyone. The town’s enduring appeal ensures that even during lean phases, optimism prevails.
In conclusion, despite the number of tourists getting lower in comparison with the New Year boom, the magic of Manali is alive and well. The local businesses are cheerful and are positive that the snow lovers and future adventurers will be coming to the winter heaven again. While the snowfall adorns the region, the message of the possibilities of exploration and entertainment that come with it continues to ring out, and the high spirits of the people remain. Manali welcomes the ones who are in search of silence and those who are seeking thrills with open hands.
