Rudrapur, Oct. 5 -- The autumn season has brought back a buzz in Nainital and other Kumaon hill stations, with tourists resuming inquiries and bookings for hotels and homestays. Hoteliers and traders of the tourism industry, who had faced a prolonged slump, said they are now encouraged and are offering discounts to attract visitors. Digvijay Singh Bisht, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Nainital, said, "A few days ago, Kumaon's tourist stations wore a deserted look. But with autumn setting in, places are buzzing again. We are offering discounts of up to 50% and tourists are also benefitting from the 7% GST on tariffs below Rs.7,500." Tourism in Kumaon had suffered this year due to Indo-Pak tensions, a rape incident in Nainital that raised law and order concerns, unfavourable weather and road blockades caused by landslides. While the popularity of Kainchi Dham and inflow of devotees gave some relief, many tourists diverted to other destinations. During Navratri, the region saw lower footfall compared to previous years. With clearer skies and fresh post-monsoon landscapes, destinations such as Nainital, Bhimtal, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Sattal and Mukteshwar are now drawing more visitors. Taxi operators, boatmen and horse traders said they are getting good business again. Autumn is also considered the Bengali season and Bengali tourists are arriving in good numbers. "These days, the hills offer a neat and clean atmosphere after the monsoon. Tourists enjoy views of the Himalayan cliffs, lush green forests and valleys without traffic jams or crowds. We expect the inflow to continue till Diwali," Bisht said. Rajendra Kapil, Bhowali Hotel Association president, said, "We have started receiving queries and bookings. The last three months brought us heavy losses due to incessant rain and roadblocks. Now we are hopeful of good business in the coming weeks." Bisht said social media is also affecting tourism. "People are making reels that focus only on negative aspects and making them viral for likes and views. In this way, they are harming tourism unknowingly"....