Jammu and Kashmir: Pahalgam witnessing slow rise in tourist numbers 

Visitor influx is gradually increasing at several tourist spots in the Pahalgam area in Anantnag after the sector nosedived courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Business Day.

The upward tourist movement trend indicates people are wanting to enjoy the beauty of Pahalgam amid all tensions.

The local Department of Tourism had lined up activities and efforts to revive the tourism industry of Kashmir by organizing a two day Pahalgam Festival, which involved a number of cultural activities to attract tourists, the news portal reported.

Dr G.N Itoo, the director of tourism in Kashmir State told the news portal, “Pahalgam has got great potential in tourism because of adventure tourism and rafting. Infact over 12,500 poor people in this area are dependent on tourism to earn a living.

“I am very happy that Kashmir has become a favorite destination for tourists worldwide. We should give credit to the government for efficiently managing the COVID-19 crisis, which was followed by improvement of infrastructure and mobilizing when we opened up the destinations," Itoo said.

Speaking further, Dr Itoo said that tourism has picked up because in the last three months over 25,000 domestic tourists and one lakh local tourists have enjoyed all the district destinations, mainly Pahalgam and Gulmarg.

A tourist who gave his name as Ketan, told Business Day, “This is the first time for me to come to Srinagar. I have stayed in Srinagar for two days and today I am in Pahalgam. It is a great experience. The experience of horse riding felt very good. I am happy and I’m enjoying the trip.”