The prolonged spell of western disturbances, causing heavy snowfall, rain and cold in Kullu-Manali, is impacting tourism in Manali.

Put off and worried by the incessant snowfall through the week, many visitors are checking out of hotels early. The frequent road blockades are also making tourists postpone their holiday to March or April. Most of the hotels are empty and taxi operators have no passengers. The presence of a few honeymoon couples at Solang Valley spells some relief for the hospitality sector as per a TOI report.

District tourism development officer Balvir Thakur assured that a trip to Manali is safe even now. ''This is the best time to enjoy snowfall. We never allow tourists to go to the risky places and keeping the highways operational is our priority,'' he said.

Heavy snowfall and resultant blockades may be keeping tourists off Manali at this time, but hotels are getting a good flow of bookings after March, rekindling hopes of an early peak season.