New Year cheer for hoteliers as tourists flock Himachal

The recent snowfall has given fillip to the tourism industry and the main tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie are brimming with tourists, coming to celebrate new year.

- Dar Ovais

DHARAMSHALA: The recent snowfall has given fillip to the tourism industry and the main tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie are brimming with tourists, coming to celebrate new year. Due to this the hotel occupancy has also soared bringing a smile on the faces of hoteliers.

At many places -- including in the capital Shimla -- some hotels are already sold out for New Year's eve.

In Shimla, the hotel occupancy is expected to be around 100% on New Year, while in Manali it is likely to hover around 80%. Adviser of Shimla hotels and tourism stakeholders association Anil Walia said, "The hotel occupancy is at the highest at this time and we expect it to be around 100% on New Year in Shimla and surrounding areas."

"This is after many years that we have received snowfall in December. Though the New Year is on Tuesday (mid-week), a lot of people are still coming because of the recent snowfall," Walia said.