Even as Kashmir is witnessing sub zero temperature for over a week, dry spell is a concern for the stakeholders of tourism as they hugely rely on snowfall which is the major attraction for the tourists at many places.
It is in the backdrop of this scenario Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that the tourism industry has faced a difficult season this year due to dry weather conditions, since the sector is closely tied to business-to-business activity, promotion, and marketing.Speaking to reporters, the CM Omar said, “Wherever there are business-to-business relations, it is expected that people associated with the tourism industry will benefit. The biggest factor contributing to tourism is promotion and marketing.”He acknowledged that the tourism season so far has been challenging. “This year has not been easy for us when it comes to tourism. Be it Pahalgam, or Delhi, or Naugam.” he said.
Highlighting weather as the key driver of winter footfall, Omar Abdullah noted that snowfall remains the biggest attraction for tourists during this time of year.“The biggest factor contributing to footfall in this season is snow. November has been dry. We are hoping for a good spell of snow in December,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the Chief Minister maintained that tourists are still arriving.“Tourists are still coming to Pahalgam and other parts of the Valley, but snowfall will further boost tourism,” he added.Typically, the snowfall season in Kashmir ranges from December to February. However, there have been years when the season has begun in November and lasted well into March. This usually happens because of early snowfall in areas like Gulmarg and Sonmarg.
Pertinently, the winter wonderland and resort town of Gulmarg got transformed into a breathtaking white wonderland after a fresh spell of snowfall early this month. The picturesque hill station, known for its lush green meadows and scenic views, is now blanketed in a layer of soft, pristine snow, attracting tourists.
This marks the major snowfall of the season, signalling the onset of winter in the Kashmir Valley. Known for its snow-capped peaks and scenic landscapes, Gulmarg is one of the popular destinations for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. With winters on board, the region is expected to witness an increase in the tourists' footfall.
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