Shimla: Shimla witnessed a disappointing New Year as predictions of weekend snowfall and the Chief Minister's leniency directive towards intoxicated revelers failed to attract tourists. The city recorded a 50-60% occupancy, marking the lowest in the last 40 years. Last year, Shimla had over 80% occupancy during New Year celebrations, and hopes were high for a 'white New Year,' although the chances of snowfall remained bleak.

Despite the winter carnival attracting tourists to the Mall Road and The Ridge, turning the city into a vibrant fair with lights and cultural events, the footfall didn't translate into hotel room bookings. MK Seth, the president of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association, expressed disappointment, stating that the current occupancy is the lowest in four decades, even comparing it to the New Year during the Covid-19 pandemic, where tourist numbers surpassed the current figures.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's directive to the police to follow 'Atithi Devo Bhava,' ensuring a warm reception for tourists and making traffic arrangements, along with the decision to allow food joints and pan shops to operate 24x7, did not significantly boost tourism. The Chief Minister's directive to avoid harsh action against drunk tourists, instead escorting them to their hotels, aimed at ensuring a positive New Year experience, also did not contribute to increased occupancy.

MK Seth highlighted the challenge posed by unregistered tourism units, which are impacting the sales of registered hotels and accommodations. He noted that tourists arriving by train and luxury buses are often directed to unregistered places by touts. The vice president of the association, Prince Kukreja, expressed surprise at the drastic drop in tourist inflow despite favorable conditions, emphasizing that this was the lowest occupancy in recent memory.

Local hotelier Shishu noted a trend where many tourists prefer secluded accommodations in the suburbs with forest cover and tranquility. Even hotels in the main town, which are usually fully booked at this time, did not reach full capacity. Despite about 7,600 tourist vehicles arriving in Shimla from other states, social media's adverse publicity and coverage on electronic channels regarding traffic jams reportedly diverted tourists to alternative destinations. The local Meteorological office had predicted snowfall and rainfall in high-and-mid hills due to a Western Disturbance, but no snowfall was observed in key tourist resorts over the weekend.

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