SRINAGAR: The recent snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir has reignited tourist interest, leading to a surge in bookings for the upcoming weeks.
The valley experienced a snowless winter for the past two months, adversely affecting the tourism sector. With declining bookings and many tourists postponing or cancelling trips due to the lack of snow, the fresh snowfall has brought a much-needed boost to tourism in the region.
Travel agents anticipate bookings to increase by over 70 percent for February, attributing the resurgence to the winter adventure activities now available.
“Kashmir tourism suffered losses in January. However, the recent snowfall has rejuvenated bookings. We expect a significant increase in February,” said Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, a travel agent and former president of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir.
Hoteliers and houseboat owners have also reported a surge in inquiries and bookings for February, indicating a positive shift in tourist interest.
“With the snowfall, positive news has spread, leading to increased bookings. Tourists eagerly await snowfall in Kashmir, and this recent development has sparked renewed interest,” remarked Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, chairman of the Houseboat Owners Association Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Gulmarg has seen a rush of tourists and locals eager to witness the snowfall and partake in winter activities such as ATKs, snow sledging, and skiing.
Looking ahead, tourism stakeholders are hopeful for a revival in February and March, provided the valley experiences significant snowfall.
Gowhar Maqbool, a senior member of the hotelier union, emphasised the importance of February and March for tourism revival, highlighting the impact of cancellations and postponements due to prolonged dry weather.
“While time has been lost, there is potential for a positive shift if we experience substantial snowfall,” Maqbool noted.
Tourism stakeholders remain optimistic about a resurgence in bookings, banking on favourable weather conditions in the coming months—(KNO)
