Fresh snowfall brings hope among tourism players
Anantnag: The fresh snowfall in the higher reaches including the tourist destinations has raised hope among the tourism players who expect an increased tourist flow to the Valley.
Several higher reaches including the tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahlgam and others received season’s first snowfall today, bringing respite to the people from the five-months-long dry spell.
People affiliated with the tourism sector told ‘Kashmir Vision’ that they are expecting the commencement of tourist flow to the Valley from now onwards as the tourist footfall was earlier too low due to the prolonged dry spell.
They said that the snowfall has not occurred to a level which could have ignited the winter sports but the fresh snowfall has raised hopes among people associated with tourism for upcoming winter tourism schedules.
“As the several destinations witnessed a fresh snowfall today, we hope that it would attract the tourists to visit Valley,” a hotelier told ‘Kashmir Vision’.
He added that the government must start winter sports activity in Pahalgam so that it may attract more and more tourists.
“We are trying our level best to provide every facility to the tourists here to attract more and more tourists as it is our source of livelihood,” he added.
They appealed government to look into the matter at the earliest.
Assistant Director Tourism Pahalgam, Bilal Ahmed said that they are going to start winter sports for a period of few weeks.
“We are going to take every possible step that can generate income for government as well as people associated with tourism trade,” he said.
Vice Chairman JKTDC, Rafi Ahmed Mir said that New Year celebrations will be held in Pahalgam.
“Besides, a night market and cultural shows will also be arranged by the Tourism Department for visitors to learn more about the rich culture and art of Kashmir,” he added.
KV Correspondent
