Increased interest of tourists to visit less famous places of Kashmir.
Jagran correspondent, Srinagar. There has been a pick up in tourism activities across the valley after the reopening of several tourist spots that were closed after the Pahalgam attack last year. This step has brought a clear relief to local businesses. Travel operators in Srinagar said that there has been a rapid increase in inquiries in the last ten days.
Advance bookings for the coming weeks are seeing a surge, especially for weekend trips. Faiyaz Ahmed, a hotel manager in Srinagar, said, we are getting regular calls from tourists from Jammu and Kashmir and outside. Many people are planning short holidays to visit lesser-known places.
He said that the recession that occurred in winter has gradually improved. The change is clearly visible at the ground level. Tauheed Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Yusmarg, said that compared to previous weeks, the number of customers coming daily has almost doubled. “For months we had very few customers,” he said. Now families are coming again. There has been improvement in the sale of tea, snacks and local items.
Tourists are liking the quiet place
Javed Ahmed, a pony owner in Dudhpathri, said tourists are staying longer and hiring services. He said, tourists are stress free. He is enjoying the open spaces. Our income has started increasing again. Local guide Rauf Mir in Shopian said that places like Peer Ki Gali and Dubjan are attracting tourists looking for quiet places.
He said, people are asking about Padapwan and other tourist places. They want to experience something new and less crowded." Tajamul, a vendor at Ganderbal's Hong Park, said there is now a huge crowd of families and students on weekends. Shabbir Ahmed Kule, a boat operator at Wular Lake, said the reopening has brought hope. Our livelihood depends on tourists, Kule said.
Number of tourists expected to double
Traffic has improved and we expect more tourists in the spring season. A senior official of the tourism department described this trend as positive. There is a steady and good flow of tourists to the reopened sites, he said. The response is encouraging. Once the Tulip Gardens are fully opened and the higher altitude areas become accessible, the number of tourists is expected to double.
He said security arrangements and better coordination have helped rebuild trust. The places declared safe in the valley include Yusmarg and Dudhpathri in Budgam, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian, Astanapora and Srinagar Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier and Hong Park in Ganderbal and Wular Lake in Baramulla. For the last several days, these places have been witnessing continuous footfall of tourists, especially families and young travelers.