Hoteliers take discount route to beat note heat

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Kullu, December 4

To cope with the recession post-demonetisation, the Hoteliers Association of Kullu-Manali has decided to offer 50 per cent discount from January 3 to 15 to attract tourists. The town has witnessed a sharp decline in the tourist footfall in the past one month.

Delayed snowfall has also dealt a blow to the tourism industry in Kullu-Manali. But hoteliers are hopeful of doing a brisk business around the New Year.

President of the association Gajender Thakur said: “In the past one month, the tourist arrival has gone down by 30 per cent, which is cause of worry for the hoteliers. We hope that Christmas and New Year bring cheers to us.” He said the hoteliers were offering lucrative packages to couples as Manali is their favourite destination, giving its scenic beauty and calm environs. Gajender said the district administration was organising a winter carnival from January 2 to 6 to promote tourism. “During the five-days programme, cultural, sports and other tourism-related activities will be organised. We hope that the efforts of the district administration fructify,” he added.

The hoteliers urged the district administration to make efforts to publicise the event in other parts of India, which would help attract more tourists.

Post-demonetisation, the district has witnessed a decline in the tourist arrival. The hoteliers had also organised a Travel Mart in Manali in November.