Tourism Industry Shows Signs of Recovery, Eyes Bright Winter Ahead
After Pahalgam attack dealt a heavy blow to visitor inflow, fresh bookings, new destinations under LG administration’s push rekindle hope
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Months after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left the tourism industry in shock, Kashmir’s travel sector is slowly finding its footing again. With the onset of autumn hues and the promise of a vibrant winter season, stakeholders are cautiously optimistic that the worst is behind them.
Though hotel occupancy and advance bookings remain below the usual October levels, signs of revival are beginning to show.
According to officials, inquiries from domestic travellers have increased over the past two weeks, particularly from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal — states that have traditionally contributed a major share of tourist arrivals.
“Tourism in Kashmir went through a very difficult phase after the April incident in Pahalgam. The immediate fallout was severe cancellations across destinations,” said a senior official from the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir. “But the governments proactive steps — especially the decision to open up more tourist destinations beyond the conventional circuit — have restored confidence among travelers and stakeholders.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration recently approved the development and promotion of several lesser-known destinations, including Bangus Valley, Gurez, Doodhpathri, and Bungus Meadows, as part of a larger diversification plan. Officials say this move has helped distribute tourist footfall and opened new livelihood avenues for local communities.
“Opening up new destinations not only helps decongest traditional spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam but also offers fresh experiences to visitors,” said another tourism official. “We are promoting rural and adventure tourism, homestays, and winter sports as part of our broader revival strategy.”
Tour operators, while acknowledging the slump, are equally hopeful. “After the Pahalgam attack, there was fear and uncertainty. But things are now changing,” said Abdul Rashid, a Srinagar-based tour operator. “Bookings for December and January have started coming in, especially from honeymooners and winter sports enthusiasts.”
Gulmarg, the crown jewel of Kashmir’s winter tourism, is preparing to host a flurry of activities including ski training sessions, snowboarding events, and cultural festivals to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. The Tourism Department is also planning aggressive promotional campaigns in major Indian cities in the coming weeks.
Despite the slow start to the season, optimism is returning to the Valley. Houseboat owners on Dal Lake report a modest rise in occupancy after months of near-zero business. Local guides and transporters, too, say inquiries for November and December are picking up.
“Tourism is the heartbeat of our economy. Every visitor who returns home happy becomes our ambassador,” said a senior official at the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation. “This winter, we are determined to showcase Kashmir not just as a destination, but as an experience of peace, hospitality, and natural beauty.”
As the first snowflakes are expected to dust the mountains soon, the Valley’s tourism sector looks forward to turning a corner — from months of uncertainty to a season of renewed hope.
