Winter tourists raise hope for Kashmir’s battered tourism sector
Syed Ali Safvi
Press TV, Kashmir
After witnessing a slump for more than 16 months due to security crackdown and outbreak of Covid-19, the struggling tourism industry of Indian-controlled Kashmir has seen a glimmer of hope with the influx of winter tourists.
The months-long lockdown has left the region’s economy shattered. According to official statistics, the economy suffered losses of over 5 billion dollars. Tourism industry, which is considered the mainstay of Kashmir’s economy, has been one of the worst sufferers.
Now, following months of lull, Kashmir’s tourist hubs are coming back to life. Winter snow has brought tourists back to the picturesque Himalayan region and raised hope among those associated with the tourism industry. The world-famous ski resort Gulmarg is abuzz with tourists these days.
The tourism department is organizing various events in a bid to attract more tourists in order to revive the industry.
After winter games, Gulmarg is now hosting snow sculpting competition. Braving sub-zero temperature the participants are working with great passion to produce some of the finest works of art.
Meanwhile, a 31-member Indian Parliamentary delegation is also here to promote tourism. The visiting delegation also met various stakeholders of the region’s tourism sector.
Situated at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea-level, Gulmarg boasts of one of the highest cable cars in the world. With breathtaking slopes, Gulmarg is one of the finest ski destinations in the world and the heartland of winter sports in India.
Wrapped in a thick carpet of snow, the hill resort of Gulmarg presents a delightful picture these days. It offers the best slopes for skiers and attracts sports and adventure lovers from across the world and it also raises hopes of tourism revival in Kashmir.
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