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Thousands of newlywed couples from across the country are set to cheer Manali with their arrival this month. Breaking a 2.5-month-long spell of lean tourist season, hotels are getting hundreds of advance bookings after second week of this month According to local travel agents and hoteliers in Manali, thousands of enquiries regarding honeymoon packages are pouring in every day. Hoteliers and people linked to tourism industry are gearing up for the honeymoon season. Current hotel occupancy in Manali is below 15% which is expected to cross 50% mark after September 15. “We are having good flow of booking for honeymooners after second week of September. August was the leanest month in term of tourism,” owner of hotel Royal Regency Manali, Devinder Verma, said. He remarks that record numbers of honeymooners are planning their tour to Manali and hoteliers are busy in preparations. Monsoon is the biggest enemy of tourism in hill stations as tourists, fearing landslides and floods, avoid visiting hills. Monsoon season is getting over. Damaged portions of highway to Rohtang pass are being repaired on war footings. And hoteliers are luring customers with all possible efforts. Rakesh Sharma, owner of Himanshu Resorts, said rooms are being decorated according to the taste of honeymooners and room tariff has been reduced by 40%. He adds, “Almost all the hotels are providing honeymooners flower bed decorations, honeymoon cakes and candle light dinners. Now we are waiting for newlyweds to bring warmth to the cool atmosphere of Manali.” Honeymooners would be able to enjoy river rafting and paragliding as administration is going to lift ban from all adventure activities after September 15. Also, there are strong possibilities for Rohtang pass to experience fresh snowfall in October. Manali hoteliers’ association president Anup Thakur said July to September 15 is the leanest season in