Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Dec 15 (KINS): People in Kashmir are hopeful that the Valley will receive snowfall in the coming days, a development widely expected to give a much-needed boost to tourism around the New Year.
With weather forecasts indicating the possibility of snowfall after a dry spell, stakeholders in the tourism sector are looking towards winter’s arrival to revive business that has suffered a major setback following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
The attack in Pahalgam had a severe impact on tourist inflow, triggering cancellations and dampening travel sentiment at the peak of the winter tourism season. Pahalgam, one of Kashmir’s most popular tourist destinations, witnessed a sharp decline in visitors in the days following the incident, affecting hotels, travel agencies, transporters, pony operators, and other allied services.
Tourism-dependent communities say snowfall plays a critical role in attracting visitors during winter, particularly from metropolitan cities across India. Destinations like Gulmarg, known for skiing and snow sports, and Srinagar, with its snow-covered gardens and frozen Dal Lake, remain key attractions during late December and early January.
As per meteorological predictions, the Valley is likely to witness snowfall in the coming days, raising expectations of a turnaround in tourist arrivals. Industry players say that snowfall often restores confidence among travellers and sparks a surge in last-minute bookings for the New Year holidays.
Ummar Amin, proprietor of Kashmir-based travel agency Dream Peak Travels, said the tourism sector is cautiously optimistic. “The Pahalgam terror attack badly hit the tourism sector. Now tourists have started coming again. Everyone in the tourism trade is waiting for snowfall,” Ummar told news agency KINS.
He added that snowfall could significantly improve the situation. “If snowfall occurs in the coming days, we expect a good number of tourists during the New Year period. Snow is a major attraction, especially for tourists visiting Kashmir for the first time,” Ummar said.
Hoteliers and tour operators say that while current occupancy levels are lower than expected, enquiries have increased following forecasts of snowfall. Many hotels are offering special New Year packages and discounts to attract visitors.
Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up security measures at major tourist destinations and assured travellers of their safety. The tourism department is also intensifying promotional efforts to project Kashmir as a safe and attractive winter destination.
As the New Year approaches, all eyes remain on the skies, with the Valley waiting for snow to breathe life back into its struggling tourism industry. (KINS)
