Australia's Blue Mountains hit by Lunar New Year slump in Asian visitors

A family takes photos in front of The Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point lookout in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, February 2, 2021. REUTERS/Stefica Nicole Bikes

KATOOMBA, Australia (Reuters) - Sparse handfuls of people stand at railings to gaze at plunging rocks and shimmering waterfalls amid the verdant vegetation of Australia's Blue Mountains, presenting a stark contrast with the throngs usually drawn to the attraction every year.

The operator of the world's steepest railway and glass floored cable cars says its nature park is nearly empty as Australia’s border closures over the coronavirus will keep out the annual influx of Lunar New Year tourists this year.