Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, May 26: More than a month after the deadly attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony handler, a slow trickle of visitors is rekindling hope in Kashmir’s tourism sector.
A handful of shikaras are back on the lake, ferrying tourists, though most remain moored due to the steep decline in arrivals. “We are hopeful. Such incidents have occurred in other parts of the world too, and tourism eventually recovers,” Manzoor Pakhtoon, president of the Houseboat Owners’ Association, said.
He noted that while the Valley has over 850 houseboats and a bed capacity of 1 lakh, occupancy remains extremely low. “The season from April to June is usually our busiest, but most bookings were cancelled after the attack. Some were postponed, but we do not know when those tourists will return,” he added.
Still, Pakhtoon believes Kashmir’s four-season appeal will help revive tourism in phases. “We have lost the summer season, but autumn is coming, followed by winter, when snow sports draw crowds. Tour operators in Maharashtra and Kolkata are continuing to promote Kashmir through campaigns like ‘Chalo Kashmir,'” he said.
He credited both the Government and local stakeholders for their efforts. “The Department of Tourism is doing its part, and so are the local operators. But rebuilding confidence takes time. Any problem makes people think ten times before booking a trip,” he added
Tourists currently visiting Kashmir praised both the security arrangements and the warmth of local residents. “I am very happy to be here. There is no danger. The army is everywhere, and people are very cooperative,” said Gilad Dalal, a tourist, urging others to visit without fear.
His wife, Rajni Dalal, added, “I was not afraid to come even after the Pahalgam attack. The people here are very kind. Others should come and see for themselves.”
Abdul Mujib, a tourist from Nagpur, echoed the sentiment. “It was a painful incident, but we went ahead with our trip. Kashmir is very safe. It truly feels like heaven.”
Dr. Needa Fatima, a tourist, shared, “We were scared after the attack. But after arriving here, we found the place extremely safe. The people and the security forces are very supportive. We’re enjoying it as a family.”
Zahoor Ahmed, a Shikarawalla, said, “Kashmiris are suffering for no fault of their own. Tourists know we are hospitable and treat them like family. But the Government must do more to restore confidence including a transparent probe into the attack and positive messaging in the media about the real situation here.”
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