Kullu-Manali hoteliers have high hopes from PM Modi's visit

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 23

The expectations of tourism stakeholders are high from the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mandi on December 27.

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The stakeholders in Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul Spiti districts are hopeful that the PM will announce a financial package for the Covid-hit tourism industry. The poor air connectivity is the main issue, which is a major hindrance to attract high-end tourists to Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.

42-seater aircraft for airport sought

We are expecting that the PM will announce a 42-seater aircraft for Bhuntar airport to attract the high-end tourists. The frequency of flights will be enhanced from Delhi and Chandigarh so that the airfare pn the route is reduced. Nakul Khullar, resort owner

They are hopeful that during his visit, Modi will announce that the air connectivity will be strengthened at the Bhuntar airport in Kullu and the expansion work of the airstrip be executed.

Nakul Khullar, MD of Baragarh Resort, Manali, said, “Our expectations are high from the proposed visit of the Prime Minister. We are expecting that the PM will announce a 42-seater aircraft for Bhuntar airport to attract the high-end tourists. The frequency of flights will be enhanced from Delhi and Chandigarh so that the airfare on the route is reduced.”

He said, “An international airport is proposed at Mandi, which is the dream project of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. We are hopeful that the PM will make a special announcement to execute the project on priority. It will prove to be a boon for the tourism industry.”

After the opening of Atal Tunnel, tourism stakeholders of the Lahaul valley are urging the state and Central government to provide adequate infrastructure to promote winter tourism in the valley.

Tashi Barongpa, secretary of the Hoteliers’ Association, Lahaul, said “The valley has vast potential for skiing. There is need to provide skiing lifts to reach slopes. We are hopeful that the PM will do something.”

Munish Sood, president of the Hoteliers’ Association, Mandi, said “Covid had hit the tourism industry. There is need to provide a financial package to the industry to bring it back on the track. We are hopeful that the PM will announce a special package.”

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