Shimla:  After recent snowfall in numerous places in Himachal Pradesh, people from various parts of the country especially from adjoining Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are thronging its tourist hotspots to usher in the New Year.

 Most hotels in major tourist areas including Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie and Kufri were fully booked from Christmas till December 27 and they are also expected to be totally occupied from December 31 till January 3, said Mohinder Seth, president of an association of Himachal Pradesh tourism industry stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the police has divided Shimla city into 7 sectors for security and 8 sectors for traffic purposes to control the crowds of tourists on New Year, Shimla Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawla said. A stringent vigil will also be kept on the tourists through CCTV cameras and drones, he added. In Manali in Kullu district, the Atal Tunnel has become the biggest charm for tourists since its opening in October. The Mall Road of Manali is abuzz with tourists and the local shops are doing brisk business.

The increase in the influx of tourists after recent snowfall on December 27 has brought cheer to the people associated with the state's tourism industry. President of Travel Agent Association of Himachal Pradesh Budhi Prakash Thakur told.

 The entire hospitality industry in Manali was shut for almost eight months due to the pandemic and has gained momentum in December. As per government-owned Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) officials, almost all their properties are running on 100% occupancy which is a remarkable feat amid the current COVID pandemic situation.

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