Hotels and tour operators are getting encouraging response in Pahalgam and Gulmarg, local economy will benefit
Srinagar, July 10 (IANS) | For the first time since the start of the year, Kashmir has witnessed an increase in tourist footfalls, giving hope to the local hospitality industry again. The arrival of tourists will also greatly benefit the local economy of Kashmir. Tourists can be seen standing in line at the ticket counters of the historic gardens of Srinagar – Mughal, Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi.
Elsewhere, the hospitality industry has reasons to celebrate. It now takes over an hour to cross the Weil Bridge on the Srinagar-Leh highway in the evening, said Jan Mohammad, who runs a restaurant near the famous bridge. “Vehicles returning with tourists from Sonmarg are waiting for their turn on the northern side of this narrow bridge,” he said. Shikarawalas, who take visitors on pleasure rides to Dal Lake for their livelihood, have started getting their first customers this year. Confirming that Shikarawala Abdul Salam of Gagribal area of the lake said, there has been a gradual increase in the number of tourists visiting Dal Lake. I expect the flow to increase and increase by the end of the summer tourist season.
The reports from hoteliers and tour operators in Pahalgam and Gulmarg are equally encouraging. The manager of a hotel in Pahalgam said, “We had bookings for Vasant, but these were canceled due to the second wave of Kovid-19. Now we have started receiving guests and bookings have also started for the coming months. Gulmarg, the most sought after tourist destination in Kashmir, is witnessing a good number of tourists for the first time after the winter season. Gulmarg Ski Trainer Shabbir Ahmed said, “From taxi operators to pony owners, trekking guides and hoteliers, we are all beginning to find our customers again.
If all goes well, we will get a good number of tourists in Gulmarg by the end of this month, Ahmed said. The biggest concern for the administration is the non-compliance of the Kovid-19 protocol among tourists visiting the Valley. A Srinagar police official said, “We have to keep reminding the visitors and the locals accompanying them that the pandemic is still around. a“As a deterrent, we penalize those who do not wear masks or those who do not wear them properly,” the official said. The method of imposing penalties is also working, but both tourists and tour operators are duty bound to reduce the spread of the pandemic. This message about defeating Corona is being given at every place where we check tourist vehicles. The return of tourists to Kashmir will also benefit the local economy and help people get employment. This will go a long way in bridging the local economic slowdown and unemployment during the pandemic.