Srinagar/Shimla, August 6: As the Narendra Modi-led Union government on Tuesday successfully passed the resolution to abrogate Article 370, empowering Jammu and Kashmir with special status, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed an increase in visitor footfall, informed officials.

According to a report, published in the Hindustan Times, instead of choosing Jammu and Kashmir, tourists are flocking to the scenic towns of Himachal Pradesh. However, tensions in Jammu and Kashmir has impacted tourism in the tribal Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts of Himachal Pradesh. These districts are adjoining to Leh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir: First Prohibitory Orders Likely to be Relaxed in Valley by Friday, NSA Ajit Doval Monitoring Security

It is to be known that the tourism in Kashmir’s Leh and Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti districts in Himachal flourish during the monsoon. Tourists prefer to visit Ladakh via Manali and then move onto Srinagar and other various places in Kashmir.

Reacting to the current situation of tourism in the state, Manali’s district tourism officer Bhagchand Negi said, as the daily quotes, "Manali has witnessed a 30% to 40% drop in tourist inflow during the last three days. However, the tourist inflow has started to increase from today (Tuesday) onwards."

The business of the hoteliers flourishes in the 479-kilometre long Leh-Manali Highway, leading to Ladakh. Among the places that are considered main stations on the highway are Jispa, Keylong and Sissu and Sarchu. Jammu And Kashmir Loses Special Status Under Article 370, Becomes Union Territory Along With Ladakh as Parliament Passes Resolution Moved by Modi Government

However, with the Centre imposing restrictions and asking the tourists to leave Kashmir last week, tourism tourist inflow in Himachal Pradesh has gone up even as the monsoon season is lean for the hospitality industry. Last year, more than 1.64 crore people, including 1.60 crores domestic and 3.5 lakh foreign tourists, had visited the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2019 09:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).