Dharamshala, Nov. 1 -- Himachal's popular tourist destinations are witnessing increased footfall after Diwali, and the hotel occupancy, which had remained low for months, is picking up once again.

In recent days, tourist arrivals have risen noticeably, and the bustle has returned to major hill stations. The state's tourism industry had been struggling with low visitor numbers since May, which further declined during the monsoon season.

Shimla hotels and tourism stakeholders' association president Mohinder Kumar Seth said that tourist footfall has increased in recent days. "It is not as bad as it was earlier. Hotel occupancy is now around 30% on weekends, compared to just 5% previously. There has been a visible improvement in tourist num...