Tourism Decline in Pahalgam Following Terror Attack

Impact of Terrorism on Pahalgam's Tourism

A month after a tragic incident where 26 individuals were shot by terrorists in Pahalgam, the influx of tourists to the city has significantly decreased. This event has dealt a severe blow to tourism in both Pahalgam and the broader Jammu and Kashmir region. Local residents are eagerly awaiting the return of visitors. According to the Pahalgam Hotel and Owners Association, hotel bookings have plummeted to just 10 percent, leaving over 1,500 hotels in the area vacant. Restaurants that rely on tourist patronage are struggling to find customers for their meals.

Local Business Perspectives

Mohammad Ashraf, a local businessman, expressed his concerns, stating that his primary business is vehicle rentals tied to tourism. He noted that it has been a month since the tragic killings of tourists in Pahalgam, emphasizing that such violence should never have occurred. Since that day, the area has felt deserted. Despite having vehicles available for rent, there are no customers. However, he remains hopeful that tourism will rebound in the coming days or next year, placing his trust in the government to improve the situation. Currently, they are pinning their hopes on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which could provide some income, as there are no tourists at present.

Historical Context and Government Response

At 55 years old, Ashraf reflected on his experiences with terrorism, noting that this is the first attack in Pahalgam. He lamented the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the incident. Following the attack on April 22 in the Baisaran Valley, where unarmed tourists and a local individual were killed, India adopted a more aggressive stance, holding Pakistan accountable for its involvement. The Indian government initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, aiming to dismantle the networks linked to the attack. This operation included precise missile strikes and was seen as a significant escalation in India's counter-terrorism strategy. Additionally, India retaliated against Pakistan's aggression by destroying key military installations.

Current State of Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir

Currently, Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which has transformed the once-thriving tourist destination into a ghost town. The assault in the Baisaran area has severely impacted tourism in Kashmir. The tourism sector, which contributes an estimated ₹10,000 crore annually to the Jammu and Kashmir economy, has witnessed a wave of cancellations, with 50 tourist sites being closed following the attack, leading to a drastic decline in advance bookings. In response, tourism professionals from across India have collaborated with local stakeholders to launch the "Let's Go Kashmir" campaign, involving around 2,400 travel companies aimed at revitalizing the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. Travel agents nationwide are expressing solidarity with the people of Kashmir.