After summer of unrest, Kashmir’s tourism sector back on track this winter

The tourism sector in Kashmir, badly hit during summer due to unrest in the valley, is reviving itself as more and more tourists are visiting the valley this winter. Also, with the tourists pouring in the valley, the tour operators are witnessing good numbers in bookings and are hopeful of getting good business in the coming days. Riyaz Ahmed, Deputy Director, Kashmir Tourism said, “The early snowfall this year had helped in attracting tourists, we are expecting that the year 2018 will be more beneficial for our business. Through media, the information should be conveyed that the situation in the Kashmir valley is quite peaceful now.” Tourists prefer to visit Jammu and Kashmir during winter, which is regarded as the best time to visit the valley. Prominent places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Dal Lake, Sonmarg and Mughal Gardens are witnessing the good number of a crowd this winter. Usually, the valley sees the inflow of tourists after the first snowfall, and Pahalgam and Gulmarg are the most favourable places for tourists to enjoy the snowfall.
Tourists, who are presently in Jammu and Kashmir, are delighted and are enjoying their tour in the valley amid snowfall. A tourist recalling her experience said, “It’s been the most beautiful experience so far, I would say that if anyone who has not seen Kashmir should visit here once. If you want to see jannat (heaven), this is the place. The people here are amazing and it is even safe for a single female traveller.”