Communal tension hits tourism industry
On Thursday, the aftershock of the violence hit the tourism industry hard, with 50% of hotel bookings cancelled. Business owners fear further losses as cancellations continue, affecting hotels, transport services, boating operations, and small-scale businesses that depend on tourism revenue.
Economic Impact on Local Businesses
According to tourism operators, this abrupt downturn has severely hurt the livelihoods of thousands. Nainital boasts over 500 hotels and guest houses, most of which were experiencing promising occupancy rates at the start of the season. But tourist activity took a nosedive post the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and with the latest riots, hotel bookings have nearly collapsed.
A local taxi operator shared his concerns, saying, “First, the attack in Pahalgam slowed down business. Now, after this incident, cancellations are at an all-time high. Even weekend bookings are being scrapped, leaving us in deep financial trouble.” Additionally, boating operations in Naini Lake, a major attraction in the hill station, have been significantly affected, with fewer tourists venturing out due to safety concerns. Street vendors, shopkeepers, and restaurant owners are also reporting substantial losses, as footfall has drastically reduced.
“नैनीताल का माहौल शांतिपूर्ण और सुरक्षित है।
🙏 पर्यटकों का स्वागत है — आइए, घूमिए, और नैनीताल की सुंदर वादियों का आनंद लीजिए।
नैनीताल पुलिस हर पल आपकी सेवा और सुरक्षा में तैनात है। #SafeNainital #NainitalPolice #TourWithTrust@uttarakhandcops pic.twitter.com/Ux8Fop9Vas— Nainital Police Uttarakhand (@nainitalpolice_) May 1, 2025
Widespread Cancellations, Uncertain Recovery
Hotel and Restaurant Association president Digvijay Bisht strongly condemned the crime and called for strict punishment for the accused. He acknowledged the economic distress faced by the tourism sector and lamented the damage to Nainital’s reputation as a peaceful vacation spot.Local Authorities Seek to Restore Normalcy
