Tourism rebounds in Kashmir as summer rush boosts local economy
Srinagar, June 23: The Kashmir Valley is witnessing a strong revival in tourist arrivals this summer season, bringing renewed optimism and financial relief to stakeholders dependent on tourism.
Hoteliers, shikara operators, taxi drivers, tour operators, and photographers across Srinagar and other tourist destinations are reporting improved business activity as the peak season gains momentum.
After a relatively subdued period last year, tourism-related businesses say they are now experiencing a steady rise in footfall and bookings, particularly from domestic travellers.
Tour operators in Srinagar confirm that demand has picked up significantly over the past few weeks, with advance bookings and on-ground inquiries increasing steadily.
“We are witnessing a healthy rise in inquiries and confirmed bookings this season,” said Umar Amin, owner of travel agency ‘Dream Peak Tour and Travels’.
“Last year, tourism was badly affected after the Pahalgam incident, which created uncertainty in the sector. However, this year the response has been far better. The weather has remained pleasant, and that is encouraging more tourists to visit Kashmir.”
The improvement in tourist movement is also being felt on the iconic Dal Lake, where shikara operators say business has returned to normal levels after months of uncertainty.
“We are finally getting good rides from morning till evening,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a shikara operator at Dal Lake.
“Earlier there were long gaps between tourists, but now families are coming in large numbers. It feels like the season is back again.”
Taxi drivers and transport operators working around Srinagar city and airport routes also report consistent demand, especially from groups arriving for sightseeing trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Mughal gardens.
Photographers operating at major tourist attractions such as Dal Lake, Nishat, and Shalimar gardens say they are witnessing a busy season with regular assignments.
“Around Dal Lake and Mughal gardens, we are getting continuous work every day,” said a Srinagar-based photographer. “Tourists are more relaxed this time, spending more time at locations, which also improves our earnings.”
Stakeholders attribute the resurgence in tourism to favourable weather conditions, improved travel sentiment, and renewed promotional efforts by local tour operators. Many say that the current trend has helped restore confidence in the sector after a challenging year.
With the peak tourist season expected to continue in the coming weeks, those associated with Kashmir’s tourism industry remain hopeful that the upward trend will sustain, providing a significant boost to the region’s economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism. (MK)
