Nainital's New Year Bust: Empty Despite 70% Bookings, Strict Rules Blamed

• Nainital saw significantly fewer tourists during New Year despite nearly 70% advance bookings.
• Strict traffic plans, diversions, and a ban on external vehicles without hotel bookings deterred visitors.
• Ineffective shuttle services and news of denied entry led many tourists to choose other hill stations.
• Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and taxis, faced substantial losses.
• Nainital Hotel Association warns of further tourism decline, citing lack of coordination and fear of becoming like Goa.

Why It Matters: Strict traffic rules and poor coordination led to a tourism slump in Nainital despite high bookings.