Jammu & Kashmir – Kashmir tourism has received a devastating second blow following the Red Fort blast in Delhi, compounding the already severe impact of the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. The industry, which had been struggling to recover from the April 22 incident, now faces an even bleaker situation as security concerns continue to deter potential visitors. The involvement of Kashmir residents in the Delhi explosion has created fresh hesitation among tourists, pushing the already fragile Kashmir tourism sector into deeper crisis.
The suicide car blast that rocked Delhi on November 10, driven by a Kashmir doctor, killed 12 people and injured many others. The National Investigation Agency has arrested six people linked to a “white collar terror module,” including two Kashmir doctors working outside the Union territory. This development has significantly impacted Kashmir tourism perceptions nationwide.
Industry Leaders Express Deep Concern
Sajad Kralyari, secretary general of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, expressed the gravity of the situation facing Kashmir tourism. “After Pahalgam, the Delhi blast has been another setback for our tourism. The turnout is very low, almost negligible than what was expected,” he stated, highlighting the dramatic decline in visitor numbers.
Kralyari further explained that the involvement of Kashmiri residents in the Delhi blast, combined with the accidental blast at Nowgam police station on November 14, has made people increasingly hesitant to visit the region. This concatenation of security incidents has created a perfect storm for Kashmir tourism, which had been showing tentative signs of recovery.
Pahalgam Attack’s Lasting Impact
The April 22 Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead—most of them tourists—in Baisaran meadow in south Kashmir, had already dealt a crushing blow to Kashmir tourism. The immediate aftermath saw a rapid flight of tourists out of the valley, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir government to close more than 50 tourist destinations across the Union territory as a precautionary measure.
After conducting comprehensive security reviews, authorities reopened around 28 tourist destinations in a phased manner. Tour operators had been hopeful when Kashmir tourism started showing signs of recovery in October, primarily due to early snowfall and concerted government efforts to attract more visitors. However, these green shoots of recovery were short-lived.
Occupancy Rates Hit Rock Bottom
Wahid Malik, former president of Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation and current president of the Jammu and Kashmir chapter of SKAL International Club, provided stark statistics about the current state of Kashmir tourism. “The business is very less now. The April 22 attack caused the real problem but the Delhi blast and now Nowgam blast have caused further fear and downfall,” he explained.
According to Malik, hotel occupancy rates currently stand at a dismal 2 to 5 percent, representing an unprecedented crisis for Kashmir tourism infrastructure. He acknowledged that the marginal improvement witnessed in September-October had been primarily due to holidays and the festival season across the country, rather than any genuine recovery in confidence.
Contrasting with Record-Breaking Years
The current crisis stands in sharp contrast to the remarkable success Kashmir tourism had enjoyed over the previous three years. The region witnessed back-to-back record tourist arrivals during this period. According to official numbers, 34.98 lakh tourists visited the Himalayan valley last year, up from 31.55 lakh visitors in 2023 and 26.73 lakh in 2022.
This year, Kashmir tourism numbers had reached approximately 6 lakh visitors until the Pahalgam incident in April. Post-attack, arrivals have plummeted to just a few thousand, representing a catastrophic decline that threatens the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the industry.
Hope Pinned on Winter Season
Despite the grim situation, neither Kashmir tourism players nor government authorities have completely lost hope. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and many others had pinned their expectations on favorable weather conditions to attract more tourists, especially following early snow activity in the valley in early October.
The Jammu and Kashmir government continues its promotional efforts, currently participating in the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa 2025. A dedicated J&K pavilion has been established at the Waves Film Bazar to showcase the Union territory’s vibrant cinematic potential and promote it as a premier film shooting destination.
Winter Games Offer Ray of Hope
Darakshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, expressed optimism about Kashmir tourism revival during a tourism event in Srinagar. “The tourism footfall in Kashmir had been very good from 2019 onwards but some unfortunate incidents here plunged down the arrivals. But I am hopeful of this season when the Khelo India Winter Games are held in Gulmarg,” she stated.
Andrabi emphasized that snowfall transforms the region into a winter paradise, expressing confidence that hotels would not remain empty during the winter season. Kralyari also noted that Kashmir tourism typically receives visitors from Southern India during winter, particularly IT professionals from multinational companies who get holidays during Christmas and New Year.
The industry now anxiously awaits early and substantial snowfall, which could potentially revive Kashmir tourism fortunes and provide much-needed relief to an industry reeling from consecutive security setbacks. The coming months will determine whether the Valley can reclaim its position as a premier tourist destination or face a prolonged period of uncertainty.
