Neyaz Elahi
Srinagar (NVI): Tourist graph has started showing an upward trend in Kashmir Valley while tourism players are hopeful that more and more tourists will visit the valley after the grim phase that was experienced due to abrogation of Article 370 and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Since August 5, 2019 when Article 370 was scrapped, tourism was badly hit and the situation was further aggravated due to Covid-19 lockdown.
“I think the ugly phase is over and we are getting bookings and enquiries from both domestic and international tourists. Graph is showing upward trend and there is a surge in winter bookings,” Mukhtar Ahmed Shah, President Hoteliers Club, Gulmarg, told News Vibes of India.
Shah is hopeful and believes that tourist graph this winter particularly in world famous ski-resort Gulmarg will show an upward trend.
“Tourists in large numbers are already present in Gulmarg to enjoy winter sports. Foreign tourists are less in number but keeping the situation in view, we expect the arrival of more tourists from foreign countries,” Shah said.
The tourist spots in Kashmir including Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are abuzz with activities these days. Tourists can be seen enjoying fresh snowfall particularly in Gulmarg.
“Emperor Jahangir was right in terming Kashmir as paradise. It is of course a paradise on earth. We have been enjoying in Gulmarg. Everything is white and this sight is turning us frenzy,” Sonali, a tourist from Mumbai said.
Abdul Karim, a tourist from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, said he arrived in Valley last week along with his family.
“Back home in UP, my friends advised us not to visit the valley, but here I found everything normal. Electronic media is portraying Kashmir in a negative way and here I realized Kashmir is not what media is portraying. I appeal people to visit Kashmir and enjoy its beautiful landscape,” Karim added.
In addition to this, tourists are also enjoying shikara rides in Dal Lake as well that is in the heart of Srinagar city. “We have been to multiple locations here including Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal, Dal Lake and we didn’t face any problem. People of Kashmir are so sweet and friendly. In fact, Kashmir is crime free,” Aditya Kumar, a resident of Gujarat said.
He however lamented that such a beautiful place faces power shortage. “Except electricity problem, we found everything alright,” Kumar added.
Director of Tourism, Kashmir, Nisar Ahmed said the arrival of tourists is good for tourism sector. “Tourist arrivals are increasing and day by day it is showing an upward trend. We are hopeful that tourists will come in large numbers to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir Valley,” he said.
-CHK
