A surge in visitors in Manali revitalizes the local economy

Himachal Pradesh is a favorite destination for millions of tourists every year, who come to experience the stunning beauty of places like Kullu, Manali, Shimla, and Dalhousie. These picturesque spots leave visitors with memories that last a lifetime, and right now, the tourism industry in Manali is bouncing back stronger than ever. Over the weekend, Manali saw a significant rise in tourist numbers, bringing new life to the local economy.

In just four days last week, around 1,800 small vehicles arrived in Manali from other states, along with 15 to 25 luxury buses making their way into the town. With the Dussehra festival approaching, the flow of visitors is increasing steadily. The scenic Manikaran Valley is also witnessing a rise in tourists, giving a much-needed boost to the local tourism businesses, which have been slow in recent months.

Over the past three days, more than 2,500 tourist vehicles from various states have reached Manali, and the number of luxury buses has gone up as well. On Sunday alone, over 700 tourist vehicles entered the town, and around 300 vehicles from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Dharamshala, Shimla, and Dalhousie, are arriving daily. The number of luxury buses over the weekend has now jumped to between 30 and 40, and with the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali around the corner, the tourism sector is picking up pace. Each day, over 3,000 tourists from other states are now making their way to Manali.

Local business owners on Manali’s bustling Mall Road—have all noticed the uptick in tourist arrivals, especially over the weekends. Hotel owners shared that hotel occupancy rates have surged past 50%. With the increase in vehicles and visitors from other states, local hotels are now experiencing more than half-full bookings, signaling a promising season ahead for Manali’s tourism industry.