Stakeholders hail reopening of 12 tourist spots, push for opening of all closed destinations

Srinagar, Sep 26: The reopening of 12 major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, announced by the Government under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has been welcomed by the region’s key tourism and business organisations. The move, set to take effect from Mondaycomes after a detailed security review and is seen as a step towards reviving the tourism sector, which has been severely impacted since the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

KCCI hails reopening, urges opening of remaining destinations

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s decision to reopen 12 tourist destinations across the Union Territory. The decision, taken under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, during a high-level review meeting, is being hailed by the Chamber as a timely step to restore vibrancy in the tourism sector, which has been facing a prolonged slowdown.

Seven destinations in the Kashmir Division — Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, Dara Shikoh Garden, Kaman Post, and Eco-Park Khadniyar — and five in the Jammu Division — Dagan Top in Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Chinkah in Reasi, Shiv Cave in Salal, and Padri in Doda — will reopen for visitors starting Monday.

KCCI expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for addressing industry concerns and initiating measures to support the tourism ecosystem. The Chamber, however, urged that the remaining tourist destinations, closed since April 22 following the Pahalgam attack, be reopened immediately.

The prolonged closure has caused substantial economic losses. Hotels, guest houses, and houseboats are reporting very low occupancy, while allied sectors including transport operators, travel agents, ponywalas, shikarawalas, guides, artisans, and traders, have also been severely affected.

KCCI emphasised that reopening all destinations will restore confidence, improve business sentiment, and send a positive message to visitors about Kashmir’s readiness to welcome tourists. The Chamber noted the region’s vast and diverse tourism potential and stressed the need for sustained efforts to maintain its image as a safe and attractive destination.

While appreciating the proactive approach of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his administration, KCCI appealed for a comprehensive tourism revival plan, including marketing campaigns and incentives for tourism-linked businesses to recover from recent setbacks. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the administration and stakeholders to strengthen the tourism sector, a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy and a source of livelihood for thousands.

JKHARA calls for comprehensive revival plan for tourism sector

The J&K Hotel and Restaurant Association (JKHARA) also welcomed the reopening, describing it as a positive step toward the revival of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

President Babar Chowdhary noted that hotel occupancy across major destinations such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg remains below 20 percent, causing massive revenue losses for hoteliers, restaurant owners, and travel operators.

Chowdhary, however, pointed out that the sector continues to face acute challenges, with hotel occupancy rates dropping to less than 20 percent across major destinations such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. “The extended closure of key tourist destinations since April has led to massive revenue losses for hoteliers, restaurant owners, travel operators, and other stakeholders. Many units are struggling to manage operational costs, salaries, and maintenance,” he said.

The Association urged the administration to expedite the reopening of all remaining tourist spots and religious destinations that are still closed. “Reopening all tourist locations will not only restore confidence among stakeholders but also send a strong and positive message to domestic and international tourists about the safety and readiness of Jammu and Kashmir to welcome visitors,” Chowdhary added.

SKAL welcomes the move

President of SKAL International J&K Chapter, Wahid Malik, welcomed the reopening but stressed the need to open all remaining destinations without delay to ensure balanced tourist flow and restore confidence.

Malik highlighted that hotel occupancy remains critically low and that many stakeholders in hospitality and allied sectors are facing serious financial challenges.

He appealed for a comprehensive tourism revival plan, including targeted promotions, financial support, and incentives for hoteliers and travel operators, to ensure sustainable growth. Malik reaffirmed SKAL International J&K’s commitment to working with the administration to promote J&K as a safe, welcoming, and attractive destination.