New Year brings new hope
This year the snowfall has brought lot of cheers to the local population on many fronts. Not only has the dry long winter seen some favourable weather activity but tourism players too are upbeat as most of hotels and guest house witnessed a descent footfall of tourists post the snowfall.
From Dal Lake to the slopes of Gulmarg, and Pahalgam to Sonamarg, the Valley’s tourism heartbeat is gaining momentum a steady rise in tourist footfall is bringing new hope for them.
From house boat owners to Shikarawalas, people are getting queries and a handful of tourist arrivals to celebrate about. The snowfall has built trust again as people are coming back in numbers. Though in the initial phase visitors are seeking bookings at Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam as after things show further improvements other tourist destianations too will be opened up subsequently for the trade to flourish,
Notably, tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is considered as one of the key driving factors of the economy. Not only does tourism sector provide huge employment to the locals here, but the vast number of hotels, guesthouses and other accommodations too are dependent on tourist arrivals.
The start of winter tourism and the footfall that has started to become visible is being attributed to the government’s push, both by the Lt Guv led administration and the efforts put in by the elected government as well.
Notably, the governments proactive steps — especially the decision to open up more tourist destinations beyond the conventional circuit — have restored confidence among travellers and stakeholders as tourists have once again started to show their interest towards this famed place.
What is quite encouraging to note is that the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha last year 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 will help distribute tourist footfall and opened new livelihood avenues for local communities.
Importantly, opening up new destinations not only helps decongest traditional spots like Gulmarg and Pahalgam but also offers fresh experiences to visitors. What is needed at this point is that lot of efforts should be put in for promoting rural and adventure tourism, homestays and winter sports so as to frame and implement a broader revival strategy.
The footfall that is being witnessed may seem a bit slow right now but one thing is sure that optimism is returning to the tourism sector in 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 coming months are picking up.
And if the trend continues, days are not far when the region will be again blooming with tourist arrivals and new hopes will usher in growth for the entire tourism sector.
