If there is one thing people know of Kashmir globally is that the region is every nook and corner worth visiting and yet out-of-question for so many because of its long contested state. The dangers associated with travelling to the Valley have for decades consumed and deprived the State of Jammu & Kashmir of its impending future and fortune, not to mention the burden its economy has borne for so long.
However, for the first time in two years, the region has showcased progress with respect to its tourism sector. The return of tourism in the vale of Kashmir is finally signalling towards a path of recovery and healing. Lakhs of travellers are visiting the Valley every month, an exponential increase as tourism boom in Kashmir.
As per the statistical data of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department, March 2022 broke the decade-long drought of the Kashmir tourism sector. This is around the same time when the largest Tulip Garden of Asia opens up for tourists in Srinagar’s Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
And the uncontested fact is that the tourism sector in Kashmir has the potential to be a significant contributor to the local economy. Just last winter in 2022, Kashmir recorded the highest tourist footfall with top destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar remaining abuzz with tourists. Taking to Twitter on October 6, 2022, Piyush Goyal, the Union Trade and Industries Minister, wrote: “Kashmir coming alive! 🍁 J&K witnessed record footfall of 1.62 Crore tourists since January 2022, the highest in 75 years of Independence.”
Around 4.5 lakhs tourists arrived in Kashmir in the period of four months from November to February, according to the government statistics from the year 2021. This figure is just double of the tourists visiting the Valley during its previous year in 2020 around the same period.
The top destinations, such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg, are just a few well-known places in Kashmir. In contrast, many other offbeat Valleys, such as Lolab and Gurez, carry significantly higher prospects of developing into major tourist destinations. These regions are known for their natural beauty, including mountain ranges, lakes, gardens, and cultural and historical sites such as temples, mosques, and palaces. Besides, many adventurous and recreational activities, such as skiing, trekking, and water sports, entice travellers from India and overseas.
With Kashmir witnessing a tourism boom, the growth of the tourism sector in the region also means the generation of local employment and economic activities. The tourism industry in the region has faced challenges in the past due to security concerns and political instability. A struggle of power and political upheaval, terrorism and territorial dispute have overshadowed the untapped potential of the region known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Despite these challenges, Kashmir continues to be a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travellers.
Last year on October 23, 2022, Amit Shah, Union Home Minister inaugurated Go First’s flight from Srinagar to Sharjah, thus linking Kashmir with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This paves the way for attracting foreign tourists as well, who for now need a special pass to visit the Valley. A month before that, a multiplex cinema was inaugurated by a top government official in Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir. With the tourist sector in Kashmir falling back to place, the eyes are on the next best thing – the return of Bollywood in Kashmir.
Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.