Diversify winter tourism

Over 1.48 lakh tourists have visited Gulmarg in last months, a testament to the resort’s reputation as Kashmir’s  winter wonderland. But it raises a pressing concern: the over-dependence on the resort as the centrepiece of the region's tourism. Nestled in the fragile Pir Panjal range, Gulmarg faces the dual threat of environmental degradation and infrastructural strain. Its crowded slopes, stressed waste management systems, and rising carbon footprints are risking the ecology of the resort.

Hence, the need to focus on alternative tourist destinations. Places like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Doodpathri and others can share the tourist load. Government needs to Invest in infrastructure, winter sports, and eco-friendly facilities in these spots to draw tourists. Diversifying tourism will not only preserve Gulmarg’s fragile environment and appeal but also ensure equitable economic benefits for the people of the region.

So, the government needs to tailor its tourism strategy accordingly. Gulmarg gets the most tourist rush because it receives the most publicity. Adding to Gulmarg's appeal is that it is also the skiing destination. But the excessive focus on the place is drawing tourists away from other equally scenic places across the Valley. True, in recent years, the Valley has witnessed a massive rise in tourist arrivals and all places have benefitted.

In fact, in recent years, the government has worked to develop new tourist destinations to bring its benefits to remote corners of the region. Some of these destinations fall in border areas, otherwise no-go places over the last three decades. Tourists have visited Gurez, Bangus which have generally been out of bounds for the visitors, both because of their distance and also for security reasons. The government is planning to develop four new destinations with world class tourist infrastructure with financial and technical help from the World Bank.

This would be a boon for tourism in the union territory.  Going forward, the tourism strategy should ensure that only a few places don’t attract most of the tourist arrivals, as has been the case in the Valley so far. This approach  has not just an ecological but also an economic rationale.