Hotels in and around Kullu-Manali in Himachal Pradesh have seen a surge in bookings during the Christmas/ New Year break with around 50,000 tourists expected to reach the region this year. About 50 per cent of total bookings have come following the fresh snowfall at the destination. Almost 60 per cent hotel rooms are already occupied and 75 per cent hotels are fully booked after December 22, 2012, according to a report in The Times of India.
According to travel agents, enquiries about Christmas and New Year packages for Manali are greater than any other hill station. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels are also enjoying good business in Manali. BN Kapoor, Deputy Director, HPTDC, said, “All hotels are having good business and occupancy rates are expected to double after December 20, 2011. The snowfall has rejuvenated the tourism industry in Manali. Advance bookings for Christmas and New Year have also increased.” |