Kashmir Valley has witnessed an ever-increasing inflow of tourists in the fourth successive year. This year between January and September 2024, the Valley has recorded 2.6 million tourist arrivals including 35,254 international visitors. This steady influx of travelers has been a boon for the local economy, especially the sectors such as hospitality, handicrafts, and local transportation. December is expected to further drive numbers, due to festive celebrations and increasing interest in popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Mughal gardens. Gulmarg, however, is the most sought after winter destination in Kashmir. A renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts, a snowbound Gulmarg creates ideal conditions for skiing and other winter activities. The place also has the world’s highest golf course which makes it a premier tourist and sporting destination even in summer.
However, for tourism to thrive in winter, it is important that it snows. Last winter, the delay in snowing in the early part of the year led to cancellations of tourist bookings. However, the snowfall in February restored the inflow and ever since the numbers have only gone up.
Tourism has been one of the biggest stories of J&K in recent years. Millions of tourists have visited the region from far and wide. To sustain this growth, the administration has identified 300 new destinations for promotion, emphasizing green tourism, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the active participation of local communities. In these years, for the first time, a culture of homestays has taken root. This has brought the benefits of the growing tourism directly to the doors of common Kashmiris. Such initiatives have not only enhanced the experience of tourism but also contributed to the region’s overall development.
The connecting of Srinagar with Delhi through train will give a further leg up to tourism, a key driver of Kashmir’s economy. The scenic rail route, passing through Chenab Valley, Anantnag, Awantipora, Pampore, and other stations, presents a unique opportunity to highlight the natural beauty of the region. The prospect of a Vande Bharat Express running through this picturesque landscape adds an extra dimension to the tourist experience, making Kashmir more accessible for travelers, otherwise held back by the high-priced air tickets. True, in the short term, more visitors could also pose challenges for the government and the Valley’s fragile ecology. Kashmir’s existing tourism infrastructure is not in a position to accommodate disproportionately enhanced tourist arrivals. However, the increasing demand would, in time, lead to commensurate supply. At the same time, we can’t afford unregulated tourism that is detrimental to the Valley’s pristine environment. Responsible tourism is the only way forward to protect Kashmir’s beauty while reaping the benefits of enhanced tourism resulting from increased connectivity.
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