Two months after a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, the landscape is beginning to change as families return to the valley, eager to explore its scenic offerings. Shabana Awwal, who travelled from Rajasthan with her extended family, captures joyful moments of her children at the famous Dal Lake. This trip, initially planned for a summer escape from the sweltering heat of Rajasthan, was reshaped by the tragic events of April 22 when militants launched an attack that left 26 dead and rattled the tourism sector.
The chilling attack forced the closure of numerous tourist hotspots and caused a significant decline in visitor confidence, described by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a "disaster" for the region’s tourism-dependent economy. Despite the former turmoil, optimistic visitors like Awwal believe the media coverage exaggerated safety concerns, with many feeling secure enough to venture into the valley.
Tourists from across India, including Deepti and Anuj Gandhi, have chosen to uphold their family traditions by returning to Kashmir for summer holidays. Their sentiments echo those of other families, drawn not just by nostalgia but by a deep-seated love for the region. The recent arrival of foreign tourists, including a group from Poland, has further infused hope into the beleaguered tourism industry, which was once flourishing but faced significant downturns due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The president of the shikara owners' association expressed the distress felt among locals due to the attack, emphasizing tourism as their lifeline. With confidence slowly rebuilding, industry leaders, including Ravi Gosain from the Indian Association of Tour Operators, are optimistic about the future, noting an increase in bookings as flights fill up due to renewed interest.
Moreover, enhanced connectivity through a new train service linking Srinagar with Katra has opened more avenues for tourists, with the train running to full capacity. Many pilgrims, having visited the popular Vaishno Devi shrine, are now discovering Kashmir's beauty as part of their trip.
There is a cautious optimism among local officials as they encourage visitors to extend their stays, thereby boosting the beleaguered economy. “Now those who are coming for a few hours, I’d like to see them come for a few days,” Chief Minister Abdullah stated, recognizing the critical steps towards a substantive recovery for Kashmir's tourism landscape.
As the valley sees fresh visitors and families reunite with their cherished traditions, the hope is that Kashmir can once again stand as a wellspring of beauty and hospitality amid its historical challenges.
The chilling attack forced the closure of numerous tourist hotspots and caused a significant decline in visitor confidence, described by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a "disaster" for the region’s tourism-dependent economy. Despite the former turmoil, optimistic visitors like Awwal believe the media coverage exaggerated safety concerns, with many feeling secure enough to venture into the valley.
Tourists from across India, including Deepti and Anuj Gandhi, have chosen to uphold their family traditions by returning to Kashmir for summer holidays. Their sentiments echo those of other families, drawn not just by nostalgia but by a deep-seated love for the region. The recent arrival of foreign tourists, including a group from Poland, has further infused hope into the beleaguered tourism industry, which was once flourishing but faced significant downturns due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The president of the shikara owners' association expressed the distress felt among locals due to the attack, emphasizing tourism as their lifeline. With confidence slowly rebuilding, industry leaders, including Ravi Gosain from the Indian Association of Tour Operators, are optimistic about the future, noting an increase in bookings as flights fill up due to renewed interest.
Moreover, enhanced connectivity through a new train service linking Srinagar with Katra has opened more avenues for tourists, with the train running to full capacity. Many pilgrims, having visited the popular Vaishno Devi shrine, are now discovering Kashmir's beauty as part of their trip.
There is a cautious optimism among local officials as they encourage visitors to extend their stays, thereby boosting the beleaguered economy. “Now those who are coming for a few hours, I’d like to see them come for a few days,” Chief Minister Abdullah stated, recognizing the critical steps towards a substantive recovery for Kashmir's tourism landscape.
As the valley sees fresh visitors and families reunite with their cherished traditions, the hope is that Kashmir can once again stand as a wellspring of beauty and hospitality amid its historical challenges.
