Tourist inflow steady, snowfall could turn the tide for Kashmir: CM Omar
Says had difficult moments this year, but Valley remains a destination for people across the globe
Srinagar, Nov 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that while tourist footfall in Jammu & Kashmir has not completely dipped, the sector is moving through a sluggish phase and the much-awaited snowfall in December could become the determining factor for revival.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of a tourism event, Abdullah said dry November conditions had slowed momentum at major destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and other winter circuits. “Snow is what drives the winter season. Tourists are coming, but snowfall will make the real difference,” he said, expressing optimism that a good spell in early December could bring an upswing.
The Chief Minister also reflected on a challenging year for tourism marked by violent incidents that unsettled the sector. The Pahalgam attack in April, the car explosion in Delhi, and the Nowgam blast that killed several police personnel were highlighted as events that cast a shadow over travel confidence.
“We have had difficult moments this year, but Kashmir remains a destination people want to experience,” Abdullah said, adding that the administration is closely monitoring the tourism cycle and is hopeful of revival once weather conditions favour the Valley.
Abdullah appealed for early snowfall to open ski slopes and boost hotel occupancy, noting that tourism serves as a key pillar for the local economy and livelihood of thousands connected to the trade.
