Tourist arrival picks up in Manali on Christmas eve

Tribune News Service

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Mandi, December 24

Tourist influx has been steadily increasing in Kullu-Manali on Christmas eve and ahead of New Year as room occupancy in hotels has increased to 70 per cent.

As rush of tourists increased, long traffic jams are being witnessed between Manali and Solang Valley for the last two days. The tourists remained stuck on the road for hours because it is too narrow to handle heavy traffic. Inadequate parking space at Solang has added to the traffic chaos.

The traffic jams are expected to continue in the coming days as tourist inflow is constantly increasing.

Hoteliers of Kullu-Manali are expecting good business, especially on Christmas and New Year. Many hoteliers are offering discount up to 25 per cent in room booking at individual level, while others are offering one night stay complementary for bookings of two days.

“The weather these days is pleasant in Kullu-Manali and there is snow all around for the recreation of tourists, who visit here to enjoy snow activity and panoramic view of the area”, said a hotelier.

Local people of Manali said Solang valley is the hub of tourist activity these days, where a large number of tourists are thronging daily to enjoy snowfall, paragliding, etc. The entire Solang valley is covered with snow and tourists are also enjoying skiing and horse riding.

Anup Thakur, president of Hoteliers’ Association, Kullu and Manali, said, “Tourist arrival is picking up in Kullu-Manali and we are expecting good business in coming days. The area is blessed with bounty of nature and climate is suitable as well. Snow is in plenty here in Manali ahead towards the Solang valley and Gulaba, where tourists can enjoy their holidays.”