Introduction
Two months after the devastating attack that shook the scenic valley of Kashmir tourism, hope is beginning to return. On 22 April, militants carried out an unprecedented attack on tourists near Pahalgam, killing 26 people and sending shockwaves across India. The attack not only triggered widespread fear but also led to severe disruptions in Kashmir’s critical tourism industry. Now, as tourists slowly start to return, optimism is cautiously rising among locals who depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood.
Tourists Return Despite Recent Tragedy
Shabana Awwal from Rajasthan is among the many visitors who chose not to cancel her trip. “We weren’t really afraid; we thought we’ll deal with whatever comes our way,” she told the BBC as her children enjoyed water biking on Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake. She blames the “media hype” for exaggerating the risks, adding that the situation on the ground feels safe.
The Awwal family is not alone. Deepti and Anuj Gandhi, who traveled from Jammu, say they visit Srinagar every year and see no reason to change that tradition now. “There’s no better summer holiday destination than Kashmir,” said Deepti as their children enjoyed the scenic beauty and adventure activities the valley offers.
Mass Exodus Followed the Attack
In the immediate aftermath of the April attack, tourism came to a standstill. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation bluntly: “There was a mass exodus of those tourists who were already here, and mass cancellations of those planning to come.” Tensions between India and Pakistan flared dangerously close to conflict in May, exacerbating fears and damaging Kashmir’s peak tourist season.
Authorities swiftly closed 48 tourist destinations in the valley, two-thirds of which remain shut. As a result, hoteliers, taxi drivers, tour guides, shopkeepers, and shikara boat owners faced significant financial hardship.
Tourism: The Lifeblood of Kashmir’s Economy
Tourism is the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy. In 2024, 23.6 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, with 3.49 million visiting the Kashmir valley alone. The sudden halt in tourism after the attack was a major blow to this thriving sector. Haji Wali Mohammad Bhat, president of the shikara owners’ association, remarked: “Tourists are our life, tourism is our lifeline. God knows what sin we’re paying for.”
Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, noted that prior to the attack, Kashmir’s tourism industry was flourishing with new hotels, vehicles, and businesses emerging to meet growing demand. “The peak season has been lost this year, but tourism can still pick up quickly,” he added, citing full flights and resilient visitor sentiment.
New Train Link Brings Fresh Optimism
One unexpected factor helping revive Kashmir’s tourism is the recently inaugurated train service connecting Srinagar to Katra in Jammu. The twice-daily air-conditioned train offers pilgrims and tourists an easier, quicker journey to the valley. Since its launch on 7 June, the train has been running at full capacity, with tickets sold out for the next two months.
For travelers like Ghanshyam Bharadwaj and Mamata Sharma from Delhi, the new train made a spontaneous trip possible. “It took us just three hours from Katra. We’ll spend the night here and head back tomorrow,” said Bharadwaj, emphasizing that fear was never a factor. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. This is my country.”
Government Encourages Confidence-Building
Chief Minister Abdullah remains hopeful: “Now those who are coming for a few hours, I’d like to see them stay for a few days. Those staying for days, I want to see them staying for a week. But at least it’s a beginning, and that’s what helps.”
Authorities and tourism operators alike are banking on this cautious optimism to sustain the recovery. The fact that foreign tourists, like the recently arrived group from Poland, are also returning further boosts confidence among local businesses and stakeholders.
Conclusion
While Kashmir’s tourism sector was badly shaken by the April attack, the resilience of both tourists and locals offers hope for revival. With new infrastructure like the Srinagar-Katra train and a growing sense of security, the region is slowly picking up the pieces. For many, tourism remains not only a livelihood but a symbol of normalcy and unity in one of the world’s most contested regions. As one local guide summed it up: “Kashmir will always welcome those who seek its beauty and peace.”
For ongoing updates, visit our Kashmir tourism section.
External References
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