Blood in Kashmir sparks a rush in neighbouring mountain states, unfortunately

The latest terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 vacationers, is predicted to have vital repercussions on the tourism trade in neighbouring mountain states, notably Himachal Pradesh.Following the April 22 assault, a majority of vacationers have cancelled their bookings for Kashmir. Specialists counsel that Himachal Pradesh might witness an unprecedented improve in each home and overseas vacationer arrivals.

Additionally Learn: Kashmir valley was blooming with business. Now it’s stained with blood, again

“It is a unhappy and extremely unlucky incident. This tragedy not solely upended the tourism sector in Kashmir however can even affect the neighbouring states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. I used to be within the tourism enterprise for greater than 5 a long time however by no means noticed or heard of such a heinous factor earlier than,” Mohinder Seth, president of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders’ Affiliation, advised ToI.

“Whereas travelling, security is the topmost concern. This tragedy is prone to divert Kashmir vacationers to Himachal Pradesh and in addition to Uttarakhand. This horror struck simply when tourism was getting again on observe in a vigorous method in Kashmir,” added Seth.

The brutal assault in Pahalgam, a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, left no less than 26 civilians useless. After years of militancy, the political upheaval following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and the Covid-19 lockdowns, Kashmir’s tourism sector had begun to recuperate. In 2023, a record-breaking 2.1 crore vacationers visited the Union Territory, in response to an ET report. Based on the Financial Survey report (2024-25) for Jammu and Kashmir, vacationer footfall elevated fourfold since 2021. The variety of vacationers rose from 6.65 lakh in 2021 to 34.97 lakh, a rise of roughly 425%. The variety of overseas guests additionally grew from 1,614 in 2021 to 43,654 in 2024. General, your entire Jammu and Kashmir area noticed a report 2.36 crore vacationer arrivals in 2024, together with figures for Jammu. The tourism sector contributes 7.2% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP.In distinction, the tourism trade contributes 7.78% to Himachal Pradesh’s state GDP. The state has additionally seen an increase in vacationer footfall after the pandemic-induced droop. As per the Financial Survey report for Himachal Pradesh for 2024-25, the variety of home guests elevated from 56.32 lakh in 2021 to 1.8 crore in 2024. Overseas travellers additionally elevated from 5,000 in 2021 to 83,000 in 2024.

Based on Panki Sood, a Kullu-based hotelier selling sustainable tourism, the phobia assault is a serious setback for Kashmir tourism. “A complete technology grew up desirous to go to Kashmir, and it was solely within the final three years that individuals’s dream of visiting the paradise began coming true. It took a long time to construct the belief that you’re protected in Kashmir. However now that belief is damaged. This tragedy pushed again Kashmir tourism no less than 15 years,” Sood advised ToI.

Sood described it as a “unhappy actuality” that the tragedy would divert tourism to Himachal and Uttarakhand. “We do not need such tourism, however travellers and vacationers haven’t any different alternative. We might even witness double the vacationer visitors this 12 months. We’re assuring our brethren in Kashmir that we’re standing by them and can assist them function in Himachal if they want so,” added Sood.

Specialists warn that a rise in vacationer numbers will additional pressure the state’s tourism infrastructure. “We do not have too many vacationer locations within the mountains, making all people head primarily for Himachal Pradesh. The vacationer locations stay chock-a-block, particularly throughout summertime. I believe the federal government must strengthen tourism infrastructure, together with lodging, roads, and parking, to accommodate the extra circulation of holiday makers,” mentioned Ankur Thakur, a state-based hotelier.

As soon as a busy centre of tourism and enterprise, the scenic area of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir now faces an unsure future after the phobia assault killed 26 individuals. The brutal assault, which primarily focused vacationers, has thrown the native tourism trade into disaster, placing in danger the principle supply of earnings for many individuals within the space.

For many who have spent years working in Pahalgam, the assault just isn’t solely a heartbreaking lack of life but additionally a severe blow to the center of their economic system—tourism. The city had depended closely on the yearly circulation of holiday makers, with inns, eating places, retailers and different providers counting on the busy vacationer season. However within the wake of the assault, tourism has come to a standstill, hurting companies and employees who rely completely on it.

Additionally Learn: Pahalgam goes from ‘mini-Switzerland’ to ghost town in an instant

The lieutenant governor of Ladakh, Brig B D Mishra (retd), on Thursday appealed to all stakeholders to welcome vacationers with open arms and take vital measures to extend vacationer footfall in Ladakh.

In a press release, Mishra mentioned tourism is the lifeline of the individuals of Ladakh, as the bulk are engaged in tourism actions for his or her livelihood. He urged tourism stakeholders to help vacationers and keep away from any malpractices that may hamper vacationer numbers and have an effect on livelihood alternatives.

Mishra expressed optimism about elevated vacationer visits to Ladakh in 2025 in comparison with 2024. He additionally talked about that acceptable motion can be taken in opposition to journey advisories issued by america and United Kingdom, which categorise Ladakh below Jammu and Kashmir, creating confusion and concern amongst vacationers.

(With ToI inputs)