Houseboats and hotels in Srinagar gear up for a bustling New Year amid soaring bookings. With snowfall adding charm to the Valley, demand for houseboats on Dal Lake and hotel rooms in the city has increased steadily over the past week. Tourism stakeholders say advance reservations from domestic travellers, particularly families and young tourists, signal a positive season after months of uncertainty. Many houseboats and hotels have planned special New Year packages, including cultural evenings, traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and bonfire nights to attract visitors. Hoteliers also credit improved connectivity, better road conditions, and enhanced security arrangements for the renewed tourist confidence. Taxi operators, shikara owners, and local traders are equally optimistic, expecting higher footfall to boost livelihoods. Tourism officials have assured all necessary arrangements to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable New Year experience for visitors.