Tourism on Crutches: Winter Hope after a lost season in Kashmir
Tourism sector shattered post-Pahalgam attack; industry pins revival on November rush, snowfall
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: With just 5–10 percent tourist arrivals this year, Kashmir’s summer season has virtually collapsed, leaving the Valley’s tourism industry in despair. The April 22 Pahalgam attack dealt a crippling blow, triggering mass cancellations and shattering the confidence of travellers. Now, all eyes are on winter to rekindle hope.
“Summer slipped through our hands like sand. Hardly any tourists came, our hotels remained empty, and the economy suffered. If winter brings snow, it might also bring back smiles,” said Irfan Malik, a Srinagar hotelier.
Tour operators echoed the mood of cautious optimism. “Kashmir’s charm is eternal. Tourists may have stayed away this summer, but we are confident that Gulmarg’s ski slopes and the Valley’s winter magic will draw them back from November onwards,” said Firdous Ahmad, a travel operator from Srinagar.
Houseboat owners, too, are anxiously waiting for better days. “The Dal looked deserted this summer. One snowfall can change everything. Tourists want to see the white beauty of Kashmir, and we are ready to welcome them with open arms,” said Nazir Dar, a houseboat operator.
For hoteliers in Srinagar, the blow has been severe. “We had invested in renovations before the season, but rooms stayed vacant. This winter is our last hope to recover losses. Without tourists, even basic operations become difficult,” said Bashir Khan, who runs a mid-sized hotel at Boulevard.
Travel agents say the sentiment is the same across the board. “There is panic in the industry. Families dependent on tourism are in distress. But Kashmir has always bounced back, and we believe snowfall will heal what summer could not,” said Shabir Ahmad, a travel agent from Rajbagh.
Another Srinagar hotelier pointed to the shift in strategy: “We are offering attractive winter packages already. From Christmas to New Year, Gulmarg and Pahalgam could see a surge if security confidence is restored. We are trying everything possible,” said Mushtaq Ali, who runs a hotel in Dalgate.
Small traders are equally anxious. “When tourists don’t come, taxis remain idle, shops close early, and families go hungry. Winter is not just about snow—it is about survival for thousands like us,” said Abdul Rashid, a handicrafts seller at Pahalgam.
Industry watchers estimate losses running into hundreds of crores but say Kashmir’s famed snow, festivals and hospitality may yet turn the tide. “Winter tourism is no longer just a season—it is our survival,” summed up a Gulmarg hotelier.
