The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Himachal’s tourism sector, marred by the recent rain disaster, is anticipated to witness a recovery during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Tourism activities have resumed in popular destinations such as Manali, Shimla, Chamba and Dalhousie.
Despite the comparatively limited and costly air service to Manali in contrast to Jammu and Kashmir, there is a positive response for the upcoming New Year, with advance bookings showing an increase of up to 50 per cent. Hotel operators report that approximately 60 per cent of rooms have already been reserved for the festive season.
Following a period of stagnation lasting about five months, tourism business in Shimla, Manali and other regions affected by the rain devastation in July is beginning to show signs of recovery as December unfolds.
A member of the hotelier association said despite the absence of direct air service to Manali in comparison to Kashmir, there was notable interest from tourists, particularly for the New Year and Christmas celebrations.
Dalhousie experienced a decline of around 50 per cent in tourism business from July to November. As the year draws to a close, tourism stakeholders in the area are optimistic about a surge in business during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Diki Thakur, operating a home stay in Manali, said recent snowfall on the peaks of Manali and at Atal Tunnel acted as a factor drawing more tourists to the region. Observing the trend in advance bookings, it is anticipated that more tourists will visit Manali this year compared to the previous one, she said.
In Dharamshala-McLeodganj belt, online advance bookings for the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivals have commenced in private and tourism corporation hotels.
Anil Chandel, owner of Hotel Rocky Knob at Navbahar in Shimla’s Sanjauli, said 80 per cent of his hotel had already been booked for Christmas and New Year.
