Sissu, Koksar draped in white, tourism stakeholders upbeat

With fresh snowfall blanketing the picturesque Kullu-Manali and Lahaul-Spiti, tourism stakeholders in the region are optimistic about surge in tourist arrivals in the coming days. The snowfall, which has covered the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway and its surrounding areas, has significantly enhanced the natural beauty of the region.

Tourist hotspots such as Rohtang Pass, Marhi, Sissu and Koksar are draped in a thick layer of snow, offering a panoramic view -- a major draw for visitors. Local tourist operators consider snow a boon for the industry, especially after a sluggish start to the season.

Anup Thakur, president of the Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal, stated that business had failed to pick earlier this year due to poor tourist footfall, largely attributed to weather disruptions and travel concerns during monsoon season. However, he now sees a glimmer of hope.

“After the recent snowfall, there has been a noticeable uptick in tourist queries and room bookings. Though the current hotel occupancy in Manali is just around 25 per cent, we are hopeful this will improve in the coming days,” said Thakur. “This is the perfect time for tourists to visit and enjoy the scenic beauty and snow activities.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Gajender Thakur, former president of the Manali Hoteliers Association, expressed optimism about the revival of the tourism. He noted that the industry suffered heavy losses earlier this year due to rain disasters in various parts of Himachal Pradesh, which disrupted travel plans and dampened tourist sentiment.

“Now with the tourist hotspots getting fresh snowfall, we expect a positive turnaround. Snow has always been a major attraction for tourists. Destinations like Atal Tunnel, Marhi, Rohtang, Sissu and Koksar are now fully covered in snow and perfect for recreation,” he said.

The stakeholders assured that with safety measures and facilities in place, Manali is fully geared up to welcome tourists. They encouraged visitors to plan their trip and experience the serene beauty of the Himalayas.