Record 28,210 vehicles cross Atal Tunnel in a day, leading to a surge in hotel demand in HP.

A record number of 28,210 vehicles crossed the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh’s Rohtang on January 1, following a snowfall the previous day. According to Lahaul and Spiti police, tourists flocked to the tunnel, leading to a surge in hotel occupancy in key hill resorts like Shimla and Manali, reaching 90 percent. The local Meteorological Office’s prediction of rain in mid hills and rain and snow in higher hills on December 30 and 31 further boosted the optimism among hoteliers. Gajender Thakur, President of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Associations (FOHHRA), expressed confidence that the Manali Carnival from January 1 to 6 would attract more tourists with its showcase of local culture and cuisines. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomed the influx of tourists, commending the district administration and police for efficiently managing the high number of visitors, particularly those stranded in the snow at the North and South Portal of the Rohtang Tunnel. The revival of the tourism industry in Kullu district, which was severely affected by the monsoon, has brought hope to the region. In Shimla, hotel occupancy peaked at around 90 percent over the weekend but dropped to 60 percent as Monday was a working day. However, with the Meteorological Office predicting rain and snow on December 30 and 31, the occupancy is expected to reach 100 percent, according to M K Seth, president of the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association. The Christmas to New Year Carnivals in Shimla added to the festive atmosphere, featuring Sufiana recitals, Quawalis, musical performances, and plays. However, the influx of vehicles caused traffic congestion in the capital city. In the past 72 hours, 55,345 vehicles arrived in Shimla, according to the Shimla Police. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) also offered special packages for New Year celebrations in its resorts, including Gala Nights, Dine ‘N’ Dance, DJ with live music, dance competitions, and fun activities for children. The news article was first published on December 25, 2023, at 9:40 PM IST.

Hotel demand in Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a significant surge due to the growing popularity of the newly opened Atal Tunnel. On a recent day, a record-breaking 28,210 vehicles crossed the tunnel, indicating the high influx of tourists in the region. This surge in tourist traffic has led to a sharp increase in hotel bookings, with accommodations in popular tourist destinations experiencing high occupancy rates. The Atal Tunnel has not only enhanced connectivity but has also boosted tourism in Himachal Pradesh, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

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