Videos of vehicles skidding on snowy roads worry hoteliers
Hoteliers of Kullu and Manali have expressed concern over a surge in fake videos circulating on social media, which, they claim, are damaging the tourism industry.
The videos, showing vehicles skidding dangerously on snowy roads, have been falsely attributed to Manali and its surrounding areas, sparking unwarranted panic among potential tourists.
Hem Raj Sharma, a Manali-based hotelier, says that the viral videos were not shot in Manali or nearby locations. “After snowfall in Manali and its vicinity, miscreants are spreading fake videos to harm the tourism sector,” he adds.
Sharma says, “The footage shows vehicles skidding, which have no connection to our region. This kind of misinformation is severely affecting the image of our town.” He adds, “These negative reports and fake videos are dampening tourism activities in the region.”
Rakesh Kumar, another hotelier in Manali, stresses the urgent need to address the issue. “False videos circulating freely on social media platforms are a cause for concern,” he says. “There is need to identify the culprits and take legal action against them,” he adds.
Though a false narrative is being peddled online, hoteliers say that the weather has turned pleasant with abundant snow for tourists to enjoy recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding and trekking.
Popular tourist spots, including Solang Nala, Atal Tunnel and Gulaba, offer a panoramic winter wonderland for visitors to explore.
Hoteliers are also working closely with the authorities to monitor and report fake content and ensure that accurate information is disseminated to potential visitors. “We welcome tourists to Manali to enjoy peaceful and adventurous holidays amid nature’s beauty,” says Rakesh, adding that tourists should rely only on trusted source of information.
