DEHRADUN: With a thick layer of smog blanketing the National Capital Region (NCR) post-Diwali, a significant influx of tourists is heading towards the scenic landscapes of Uttarakhand, leading to a substantial boost in the hospitality sector. The hotel industry in popular hill stations like Nainital and Mussoorie has seen a remarkable uptick in business this month, surpassing performance of previous years.
Members of the Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association said revenue generated in the first half of Nov this year has already exceeded that of the entire month in prior years. “We have around 140 hotels registered with our association in the main Nainital area, and most of them reported an occupancy rate of 75% or higher. With the upcoming marriage season, inquiries have surged, making this month exceptionally profitable,” said Digvijay Bisht, president of the Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Bisht said most tourists in the first 15 days of Nov were from Delhi and surrounding areas. “While weekdays have seen good business, the three weekends since Diwali have recorded hotel occupancy rates of 80% to 90%,” he added.
Travellers are also exploring homestays in less frequented districts such as Pauri, Tehri, Chamoli and Almora. A resort owner, requesting anonymity, said, “Tourists are seeking cleaner air and offbeat experiences, boosting demand for homestays on the outskirts.” Ajay Bhatt, who manages homestays in Auli, said, “Typically, we expect a surge in Dec and Jan as visitors come for the snow. However, this Nov has shown a good response, with occupancy rates between 50% and 60%.”
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