Tourism Industry Veterans Warn of Mass Layoffs, Survival Crisis
No recovery since Pahalgam attack, new fears after the Red Fort incident deepen blow
Srinagar: Tourism in Kashmir has almost come to a complete stop. Hotels are empty, shikaras are idle, and many travel agencies have shut down as there are hardly any visitors in the Valley.
The crisis began after the April 2022 Pahalgam attack, and now the recent Red Fort attack has created fresh fear among travellers, leading to more cancellations and almost zero bookings.
Chairman of the Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), Ibrahim Siah, said the situation is the worst in years.
“Tourism is at zero. Hoteliers, tour operators and transporters are suffering badly. Many people who worked in this industry for decades are now forced to take up other jobs to feed their families,” he said.
Siah added that the entire chain has collapsed. “When tourists don’t come, guides, ponywallahs, cab drivers and shopkeepers all lose their income. Everyone is in distress.”
Former office-bearer of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Athar Yameen, echoed the concern.
“There have been many layoffs. Travel agencies have reduced staff, and some well-known companies have even closed. People who once handled large tourist groups are now working in small shops or driving taxis,” he said.
According to Yameen, the industry needs time, peace and confidence-building measures to recover. “Tourism works on trust. Right now, that trust is badly shaken,” he added.
Hoteliers say they have never seen such a prolonged slump. Several hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam have suspended operations because there are no guests. Those still open are running with only a few workers. A hotel owner near Dal Lake said, “We used to be full throughout the season. Today, we have zero occupancy.”
The slowdown has badly hit thousands of families connected to tourism. Taxi drivers wait for passengers for days, craftsmen have no buyers, and houseboat owners say their businesses have come to a standstill.
Industry leaders are urging the government to help with relief measures and a strong promotional campaign to rebuild confidence among tourists.
Despite the grim situation, they hope things will improve.
“Kashmir has always bounced back,” Siah said. “We just need the situation to stabilise. Tourists will return, but right now our industry is struggling to survive.”
