Mohammad Hanief
The influx of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir is all set to surpass all the previous records in winter as highest number of visitors have already arrived the union territory so far and local tourism players are expecting huge tourist influx during the winter season, suggesting that 2024 will surpass all previous records.
The higher reaches of Kashmir valley, including popular tourist destination such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, experienced light snowfall twice so far in October this year. This early snow, combined with rainfall in the plains, has caused a noticeable dip in temperatures, prompting both residents and tourists to prepare for the approaching winter season.
Winter in Kashmir valley always shows a positive sign for all the tourism players to keep doors open of all the hotels and restaurants in the Kashmir valley be it in Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg as all the three tourist destinations are receiving huge snowfall in harsh winter period, thus making a merry for tourists to enjoy snowfalls round the winter season.
Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and features in the travel wish list of almost all travelers. However, most parts of the valley remain closed during winters due to harsh cold weather and heavy snowfall, thereby making things difficult for travel.
All local hotels in Srinagar city, the ski resort of Gulmarg, and the hill stations of Pahalgam and Sonamarg were fully booked until mid-June. This trend extends to guest houses, homestays, houseboats on the Dal and Nigeen Lakes, and other lodging facilities across Kashmir.
Kashmir Valley is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourism, with over 2.6 million visitors recorded from January 1 to September 30, 2024. According to the Tourism Department, the total number of tourists reached 2,628,509, including 35,254 foreign visitors, underscoring the region’s growing international appeal as a prime tourist destination.
The growing number of visitors is not only a positive sign for Kashmir’s tourism sector but also provides a boost to the local economy, benefiting hotels, local businesses, and tour operators. The tourism stake holders remains optimistic about the future of tourism in Kashmir and is committed to further enhancing the infrastructure to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors, tourism as the flow of tourists is expected to increase further in November and December this year.
One major highlight is the successful G20 Tourism Meeting held in Srinagar in 2023, which created a buzz and showcased the region’s potential for tourism on a global platform. An unprecedented rise has followed the meeting in the number of tourists, particularly in the last two months.
Additionally, the recently held Legends League Cricket event in Srinagar has further boosted the region’s tourism prospects. The government expects this trend to continue, with more tourists expected in the coming months, especially during the winter season, which attracts travellers for snow activities.
Kashmir Marathon 2024, held on October 20, has equally attracted visitors from various parts of the country and worldwide as it was a mega marathon and lot of foreign athletics have participated in the marathon.
As Christmas and New Year approaching in December, the number of tourists arriving in Kashmir will swell and the celebrations which commenced on Christmas Eve ended with New Year festivities on December 31. As Kashmir teemed with tourists in the winter season, hotel owners will announce special packages for gala dinners and other entertainment programmes.
The tourism industry stands as the second-largest sector in Kashmir after horticulture, contributing significantly to the local economy. While horticulture generates an estimated Rs 10,000 crore annually, tourism injects approximately INR 8,000 crore into the local economy. This economic impact extends beyond orchard owners to sustain various stakeholders, including hoteliers, houseboat owners, tour guides, and artisans involved in handicrafts.
At a time when it’s still autumn in Kashmir, hundreds of tourists were taken by surprise to witness snowfall at various locations in the valley. Most of them had come to enjoy the autumn hues and the golden coloured Chinar trees of Kashmir, but got snow instead.
A peaceful atmosphere, snowfall in October, coupled with the launch of Vistadome train services have added to the tourist rush to the Kashmir valley. According to tour and travel outlets, they were getting a lot of queries about tourism packages in Kashmir valley for the autumn season, but the early snowfall resulted in a lot of bookings for the winter months, especially as the tourists want to enjoy snow at Gulmarg and Sonmarg.
Social media platforms like Instagram have really helped in giving a push to tourism in the past few days as tourists who were already in Kashmir valley uploaded their photographs in the snow-covered Gulmarg and Sonmarg. It is in place to mention that Kashmir received early snowfall in all the higher regions, including Gurez in Bandipora district, Karnah in Kupwara district, besides a snow blanket at the famous tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonmarg.
The J&K administration is expecting a remarkable surge in tourist footfalls in Kashmir. Early snowfall and bookings for the winter months indicate that the number of tourists coming to J&K will cross the 2-crore mark by the end of this year.
Kashmir is an epitome of natural beauty, and it is renowned the world over for that. You can soak your senses on the many lakes, gardens and hill stations that attract thousands of tourists every year. Take perfect pictures and take home memories of a perfect holiday.
All the top tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg make perfect choice for every domestic or international tourist to visit Kashmir valley and cherish the winter cold and enjoy snowfalls and feel the real fragrance of “Paradise on Earth” here, here and here only in this world.