Last Updated on November 16, 2021 at 1:53 pm
This year Kashmir has witnessed a major tourist footfall after the deadly Covid-19 pandemic second wave slowed down and decline in the Covid-19 cases.
Moreover the valley turning into red leaves due to autumn season is totally mesmerizing and magical attracting massive tourists to the valley.
As per the official figures, over 4.25 lakh visitors toured places in the Himalayan valley till the first week of November. And also hotels are full with advance bookings for the winter season.
In, October tourist footfall was recorded as 91,000 and during first week of November many people chose to celebrate their Diwali in Kashmir with 25,000 arrivals.
Assistant director tourism department, publicity Zeeshan Khan said that this is a bumper season as they have witnessed the highest footfall in October which is usually a lean period.
Bilal Ahmad, assistant director tourism, Pahalgam, said that after the Covid-19 cases declined the tourism scenario this year was good. He further added that they have already crossed four lakh visitors till October end and the numbers are increasing.
Javid ul Rehman, assistant director tourism, Gulmarg said that after so many years they have seen such a major tourist footfall. He further said that many elite groups have been making their way to Kashmir. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Sheikh Ashiq informed that the rise in tourism sector helps in revival on the economy. He said that the focus on high-end tourists is good but at the same time we want that the lower and middle segment should also be attracted.
