Srinagar- Thousands of tourists from the country and abroad are expected to assemble at the prominent hill stations of the Kashmir Valley, including the world famous ski-resort of Gulmarg to celebrate the New Year, despite the bone chilling cold.
Officials told Kashmir Observer that hotels in the hill stations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam have achieved 90 percent occupancy, a week ahead of the New Year. The bowl shaped Valley of Gulmarg is attracting more tourists because of its snow covered slopes and breathtaking landscape.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort &SPA, has also reached 100 percent occupancy with almost all 80 rooms in deluxe and luxury categories, besides the 5 cottages booked in advance by the travellers.
“Almost all the rooms at the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa have been already booked, Ranjeet Dhar, Corporate Associate Director, Marketing and PR, told Kashmir Observer.
Unlike the past few years when the entire world was grappling with Coronavirus pandemic, Dhar said this year the tourist footfall was very heavy in Kashmir Valley.
“As for New Year, we have planned a host of events, including indoor musical performances. Besides, more cuisines have been added to the menu list,” he added.
Abdur Rashid Khan, who owns a hotel in Pahalgam, said that the Valley of shepherds is second choice for tourists in winters, first being Gulmarg.
“We had a very good footfall of tourists in spring and summer seasons. However, the tourist arrivals dropped because Pahalgam is too cold in winters,” he said.
However, Khan quickly added that the hoteliers are optimistic about a good number of tourists visiting Pahalgam to celebrate New Year with their families and friends.
Besides hoteliers, the department of tourism is leaving no stone unturned to make the New Year celebrations memorable for the visiting guests. The department has planned a series of events at the tourist resorts beginning December 25.
“We have organised a winter carnival in Gulmarg on December 25. Events on New Year eve have also been planned at both Gulmarg and Pahalgam tourist resorts,” Director Tourism, Fazl-ul-Haseeb told Kashmir Observer.
The carnival, Haseeb said, will have an exhibition of winter games, cuisines, music and dance.
The Tourism Department, the Director said, is also keen on keeping other tourist destinations, including Yousmarg and Doodhpathri open to attract more tourists in this winter season.
“With the help of youth service and sports, we are trying to start ski courses in Yousmarg and Doodhpathri. We’re also trying to keep Sonamarg open for tourists,” he added.
It may be noted, the tourism department organised a two-day houseboat festival along Dal and Nigeen Lakes. The event, according to Haseeb, was organised for vibrant and attractive tourism.
In October this year, the Union Territory administration claimed that 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir this year, which is the highest in 75 years of independence
A record-breaking 20.5 lakh tourists, including 3.65 lakh Amarnath yatris, visited Kashmir in the first eight months of this year, drawing visitors from all over the nation to the gorgeous and picturesque Valley, an official spokesperson had said.
He had further said that the record number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir underlines the overall development and change that has taken place in the Union territory.
“Tourism is the biggest source of employment in Jammu and Kashmir and since January, 2022 till date, 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir, which is the highest in 75 years of independence, the spokesman had said.
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