Kashmir Tourism Revives with Reopening of 16 Tourist Sites

Kashmir's Tourism Sector Sees a Positive Turn

Kashmir is experiencing a revival in its tourism industry as 16 previously closed attractions have reopened to the public. This decision follows the tragic incident in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced this phased reopening, marking a crucial step towards restoring public trust and rejuvenating the local economy.

Popular Tourist Locations Reopened

The reopening encompasses eight sites in the scenic Kashmir Valley and eight in the Jammu region, featuring well-known spots like Betaab Valley, Verinag Garden, and Achbal Garden. Tourists have responded positively to this initiative, viewing it as a sign of normalcy returning to the area, especially with the upcoming Amarnath Yatra anticipated to further enhance tourist activity.

Local Economy Begins to Recover

Residents and businesses in Pahalgam and Srinagar are relieved as their livelihoods, which suffered due to the closures, begin to bounce back. Pony owners, Shikara operators, and various vendors are hopeful about recouping lost earnings as the once-bustling tourist destinations come alive once more.

Enhanced Security Measures for Tourists

To ensure the safety of visitors and address security concerns, the administration has put in place stringent security protocols. There is a significant presence of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police at both reopened and existing tourist sites. Furthermore, high-resolution CCTV and facial recognition systems have been installed at key locations to continuously monitor activities, enhancing safety and deterring potential threats.

Government Initiatives to Promote Tourism

To further establish Kashmir as a secure tourist destination, the government has introduced initiatives like the Vande Bharat train service connecting Kashmir to Katra, which has already resulted in an uptick in tourist arrivals. A recent visit from a parliamentary committee to evaluate the security situation has also been perceived as a measure to build confidence.