Chris Gayle’s Dal Lake Ride, Mukesh Rishi’s Assembly visit Bring Hopes for tourism in Kashmir
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Cricket superstar Chris Gayle and Bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi on Wednesday brought a wave of positivity to Kashmir’s struggling tourism industry, which has been facing a tough phase since the Pahalgam attack in April this year.
Gayle was seen enjoying a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, smiling and waving to fans. Speaking to reporters, he said, “It’s good to be in Srinagar again. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to, and I always feel peaceful here.”
His visit has sparked excitement among locals and tourists, who see it as a sign that Kashmir is once again becoming a safe and welcoming destination.
Mukesh Rishi, who attended the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session, said it was an emotional experience for him.
“I hail from Jammu and Kashmir, and it was a great experience for me to witness the Assembly proceedings,” he said. “Watching the Chief Minister address the Assembly was a proud and memorable moment.”
Talking about the current state of the tourism sector, Rishi said he remains hopeful. “After the Pahalgam attack, the tourism industry suffered badly, but I trust the people of my country. I am confident that this winter and the coming months will bring a large number of visitors to Kashmir again, and the Valley will thrive as before.”
The tourism sector in Kashmir has been in deep trouble since the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which left several people dead, including tourists and local guides. The incident led to massive booking cancellations, with hotels, houseboats, and travel operators suffering heavy losses.
Tourist arrivals between April and July dropped by nearly 60 percent, leaving thousands of people dependent on tourism—especially houseboat owners, pony wallas, and transporters—without work.
The government has since tried to restore confidence by tightening security at tourist destinations and promoting the region through cultural and sports events. The visits of well-known personalities like Chris Gayle and Mukesh Rishi are being seen as a strong message of normalcy and peace returning to the Valley.
Locals said such moments bring hope. “When stars like Chris Gayle enjoy Dal Lake, it sends a message to the world that Kashmir is safe and beautiful as ever,” said a houseboat owner at Nehru Park.
With winter approaching and snow resorts like Gulmarg preparing for the season, many are now hopeful that tourist inflow will rise again and the Valley’s charm will shine as before.
