Manali welcomes New Year with surge in tourist arrivals

The picturesque hill station of Manali is brimming with excitement as tourists flock to the region to celebrate the New Year. A surge of visitors has been recorded, with 2,050 tourist vehicles passing through the Green Barrier on the Kiratpur-Manali Highway yesterday. The number is expected to rise further as the day progresses, with authorities anticipating an even higher influx by the evening.

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The popular tourist destination is witnessing a significant rush of vehicles at the Green Barrier, signalling the start of a grand New Year celebration. Tourists are pouring in from across the country to witness the beauty of snow-capped peaks and indulge in snow activities at Solang Nala.

The scenic valley, known for its adventure sports and winter activities, has drawn a large crowd eager to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and other activities on the snow-covered slopes.

The buzzing Mall Road has transformed into a vibrant hub, with revellers dancing to upbeat tunes as they ring in the New Year. The lively atmosphere is palpable, with shops and eateries catering to the influx of visitors, adding to the festive cheer.

Anup Thakur, president of the Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, and Gajender Thakur, chief patron of the Manali Hoteliers Association, expressed their satisfaction at the 90 per cent room occupancy in the hotels.

Despite expecting a 100 per cent occupancy, both hoteliers acknowledged that a slight dip in tourist numbers can be attributed to negative publicity about the region following recent snowfall. Nonetheless, they remain optimistic and believe that the tourism industry will bounce back as visitors continue to flock to the area.

“The weather is perfect, the arrangements are in place and we are ready to welcome tourists with open arms. We are committed to ensuring their comfort and providing them with a memorable New Year experience,” said Thakur.