Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Kashmir snowless winter causes 80% dip in adventure tourism and 50% drop in leisure tourist visitors, affecting Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and more.
The unexpected lack of snow in Kashmir, a region celebrated for its breathtaking winter landscapes, has led to a significant downturn in tourism. Renowned destinations such as Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and the ski resort of Gulmarg, typically bustling with global travelers from across the globe, now face a marked reduction in global tourist numbers.
This unforeseen change in weather conditions has resulted in substantial cancellations and rescheduling of trips by global tourists who had anticipated experiencing Kashmir’s enchanting snow-covered vistas. The decrease in snowfall has not only altered the region’s iconic scenery but has also profoundly impacted the local tourism industry, causing a notable decrease in the number of international tourists.
The serene winter season, usually alive with the joyful sounds of tourists enjoying Kashmir’s natural splendor, now finds itself unusually quiet. Tourism authorities have reported a sharp decrease in the arrival of global travelers, reflecting the reduced snowfall in the area.
In particular, Gulmarg, a prime destination in India during this period, now confronts a significant void. Estimates suggest an 80 percent reduction in adventure tourism and a more than 50 percent drop in leisure tourism.
Contrasting the bustling activity in December 2023, when Gulmarg hosted nearly 96,000 global tourists according to government records, the current season tells a vastly different story. Although official figures for this season are yet to be released, hotel owners report a 50 percent decline in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year.
Mushtaq Chaya, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, expressed deep concern for the tourism sector, citing the lack of snow as a recurring issue. He emphasized that the absence of snow-capped mountains and slopes has left tourists disheartened, leading to a significant reduction in tourist flow, estimated at over 50 percent. Chaya, who owns properties in key tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, noted that the impact of the snowless winter is felt across all his establishments, with cancellations now a common occurrence.
Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, Chairman of the Houseboat Owners Association, highlighted the detrimental effects of climate change on tourism. He mentioned that the absence of snow has led to fewer tourists in Srinagar, where houseboats are a popular attraction. Abdul Wahid Malik, a hotelier in Pahalgam and former president of the hoteliers association, shared similar views, stating that the lack of snowfall has reduced tourist arrivals in Pahalgam.
Rouf Tramboo, President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, expressed concern over the 80 percent cancellation rate in adventure tourism due to the absence of snow, a key element for these activities. This situation has forced travel organizers to redirect clients to other tourist destinations with snow. Adil Ahmad, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Hotel and Restaurants Association, also noted a massive wave of cancellations and a sharp decline in global tourist numbers.
Ather Yameen, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) J&K Chapter, emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and the role of Kashmir’s natural resources in attracting visitors. He mentioned that the lack of snowfall in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam is leading to booking cancellations, highlighting the critical role of environmental factors in shaping the future of tourism in Kashmir.
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