Himachal Pradesh Tourism Sees a Remarkable Surge in Bookings and Optimistic Growth as Christmas and New Year Bring Much-Needed Relief To The Struggling Industry

Published on December 24, 2025

Himachal Pradesh’s tourism industry is experiencing a much-needed surge in bookings, with Christmas and New Year festivities bringing a wave of optimism to the region’s struggling sector. After facing a significant decline in tourist arrivals throughout 2025, especially during the monsoon season, the holiday season is offering a much-needed lifeline. Bookings are rising as tourists flock to the state’s iconic hill stations, signaling a strong recovery. Hoteliers are forecasting a substantial increase in hotel occupancy rates, with expectations to reach up to 50% during the holiday period. The festive season, while lacking significant snowfall, has still managed to attract visitors, proving that Himachal Pradesh remains a sought-after destination even amidst challenges.

Himachal Pradesh, known for its picturesque hill stations and serene landscapes, is witnessing a much-needed resurgence in tourism activity. As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, the state’s tourism sector is experiencing a cautious yet optimistic boost. After several months of slow movement, hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are beginning to see positive signs, especially with the rise in bookings for the festive season.

The holiday period is expected to bring a surge in visitor numbers, contributing to an increase in hotel occupancy rates across popular destinations such as Kullu, Manali, and Shimla. Tourism stakeholders are hopeful that this uptick will provide relief after a challenging year. The state’s tourism industry had struggled since May, with a significant decline during the monsoon months. While there was a slight improvement in visitor numbers starting in October, the real boost is expected during the peak holiday season.

Bookings for the Christmas and New Year period are showing promising signs, with hoteliers reporting increased reservations from tourists. Though the season had a slow start, hotel occupancy for December had remained relatively low at around 20%. However, expectations are high, with an anticipated rise to 50% occupancy during the festive period, largely driven by visitors from neighboring states and the Delhi NCR region.

Despite this optimism, stakeholders remain cautious. One of the key factors influencing tourism is the lack of significant snowfall so far this season. Snow is often a major draw for tourists, especially those seeking a winter experience. The absence of substantial snowfall in the lower reaches of the state has caused concern. While higher-altitude areas have received some light snowfall, it hasn’t been enough to meet the usual demand from winter tourists, particularly those looking to enjoy skiing and snow sports. However, the festive season itself may help mitigate this issue, as holidaymakers often seek out Himachal Pradesh for its cultural experiences and scenic beauty, even without the snow.

Kullu-Manali, in particular, is preparing to host a significant influx of visitors during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. With bookings already showing an upward trend, the area is expected to see hotel occupancy rates soar. At present, occupancy rates are around 60–70%, with expectations of hitting 90% by the time the New Year celebrations begin. This positive forecast is a welcome development for hoteliers who have had a challenging year, marked by disruptions in road connectivity and the impacts of natural disasters during the monsoon season. These factors led to reduced footfall in the months of October and November, as many tourists found it difficult to reach their destinations due to damaged infrastructure.

The gradual recovery in tourism can also be attributed to improved connectivity and the easing of travel restrictions. Road access has been fully restored, allowing tourists to visit key destinations without significant delays. The surge in bookings from neighboring regions is also indicative of a growing desire to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and experience the peaceful, scenic surroundings of Himachal Pradesh.

As the region enters the winter festive season, tourism stakeholders are optimistic about the coming months. While the year 2025 had its challenges, there is now renewed hope for the future. The momentum from the Christmas and New Year period is expected to continue into January and February, offering the state’s tourism industry a crucial opportunity to recover and build for the upcoming months.

For Himachal Pradesh, the future looks promising. With increasing tourist arrivals expected to bring a much-needed economic boost, the state is on track to make up for lost time. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether this upward trend can be sustained, but for now, the tourism industry is focusing on capitalizing on the festive season, providing quality services, and welcoming tourists from across the country.

Himachal Pradesh’s tourism is seeing a significant rebound as Christmas and New Year bring a surge in bookings, offering hope for recovery after months of low visitor numbers. Despite limited snowfall, the festive season is drawing tourists, boosting hotel occupancy and optimism for the industry’s future.

In conclusion, the rise in hotel bookings and the increase in tourist inquiries signal a positive turn for Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector. The state’s natural beauty and festive charm continue to attract visitors, even in the absence of abundant snowfall. With the tourism season in full swing, the future of Himachal Pradesh’s travel industry looks brighter, setting the stage for continued growth in the coming year.