Tourism in Gulmarg and Sonamarg grinds to a halt as Pahalgam terror attack casts a long shadow

A winter morning in the snow covered meadows of Gulmarg (file photo)

The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is facing an unprecedented crisis, with hotels in Gulmarg and Sonamarg standing empty, following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives.

The fallout was immediate and severe for Kashmir’s tourism industry. Hoteliers in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, two of the region’s most sought-after destinations, report that not a single room has been booked since the Pahalgam attack.

According to reports, despite the region boasting over 1,800 hotel rooms in Gulmarg alone, most properties are now lying vacant, with not a single room booked since the recent terror attack in the area. “Not a single room is booked,” a leading hotelier in Gulmarg told The New Indian Express, describing the situation as unprecedented.

Sonamarg, another jewel in Kashmir’s tourism crown, is experiencing a similar fate. Despite a wide array of accommodation options - from luxury resorts to budget stays - hoteliers report that bookings have dried up. This is a stark contrast to the usual bustle, especially as the summer season typically marks the peak of tourist inflow.

Online travel portals continue to list hundreds of hotels and resorts, but steep discounts and offers have failed to attract guests, as fear and uncertainty prevail.

The attack, which occurred at the height of the tourist season, has also led to a sharp escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan.

Security agencies have intensified operations to track down those responsible, with officials revealing that the attackers had received military training in Pakistan. The government has also ramped up security at tourist hotspots and hotels across the Valley, but industry insiders warn that the economic impact could be devastating if the situation persists.