Tourism plummets in Nainital as communal tensions escalate, Mass booking cancellations in hill town in Uttarakhand

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.

Widespread Cancellations, Uncertain Recovery