The tourism in Kashmir is showing signs of life again as tourists have begun returning to the Valley after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists shot dead 26 people, mostly tourists, in Baisaran meadow on April 22.
The tourism industry witnessed almost 90 per cent of the tourists cancelling their trips and also their reservations following the aftermath of the attack. However, recent weeks, especially the past 10 days, have brought a glimmer of hope. The tourists, particularly from the hotter belt of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, are once again heading to the valley to enjoy their trips to destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken a series of proactive steps aimed at restoring faith in Kashmir’s tourism potential.
Earlier last week, Abdullah, along with members of his cabinet and stakeholders, visited important tourist destinations and chaired high-level reviews in Pahalgam and Gulmarg to counter fear and revive faith.
“These visits have sent out a strong message that Kashmir remains open and safe for visitors,” Asif Burza told reporters here. “After the cancellations, we’re now seeing re-bookings. There’s renewed interest, and people are not giving up on Kashmir,” he said. “This is our first trip to Kashmir; the weather here is very pleasant compared to Uttar Pradesh, which is reeling under an intense heatwave,” said Arun, who was travelling with three other friends.
Pooja from New Delhi said, “This is my second trip to the place. I visited last year for three days during the autumn season and only managed to travel to Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and a few Mughal gardens, including Dal Lake in Srinagar.” However, “This year I have come up with extended plans and wish to visit Pahalgam and Gulmarg and explore a few offbeat destinations,” she said while waiting for her cab driver outside the Srinagar Airport.
Meanwhile, apart from the local administration, the tour operators from Maharashtra have also joined the recovery effort, undertaking familiarisation tours to promote Kashmir as a safe and attractive destination. Their involvement is helping to challenge the negative perceptions that followed the attack.
Although numbers remain pretty below the average, there is a visible increase in daily arrivals. Popular spots in Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Baramulla are witnessing a gradual increase in tourist activity.
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