Kashmir Tourism Takes a Hit After Terror Attack , Himachal Emerges as Safer Alternative

Kashmir Tourism Takes a Hit After Terror Attack on Hindus, Himachal Emerges as Safer Alternative for Travellers

By News 24 Media | April 25, 2025

Srinagar/Shimla:
The scenic valleys of Kashmir, once a dream destination for domestic and international tourists, are witnessing a sharp decline in bookings following a recent terror attack that targeted Hindu pilgrims/tourists in the Pahalgam region. Meanwhile, neighbouring Himachal Pradesh is experiencing an unexpected boom, emerging as the preferred getaway for travellers seeking safety amidst the hills.

Tourist Confidence Shaken in Kashmir

The April 18 terror incident that claimed the lives of twenty-eight pilgrims and injured several others has sparked widespread fear, particularly among tourists from central and southern India. Travel agencies and hotel owners across Kashmir report a significant drop in reservations.

“In the last week alone, we’ve seen over 40% cancellations, mostly from families who had planned their summer vacations in the Valley,” said a Srinagar-based tour operator. He adds that bookings from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi have been the most affected.

Local businesses that thrive on tourism – from shikara owners on Dal Lake to handicraft sellers in Lal Chowk – are feeling the economic ripple effects. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, though assuring safety and deploying more security, is struggling to restore tourist confidence.

Himachal Pradesh: A Rising Star

In contrast, Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a surge in tourist interest. Places like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala have seen a 30-35% rise in bookings compared to the same period last year.

“We were expecting a good season, but this spike was unexpected,” said a hotel manager in Manali. “Many travellers specifically mention they shifted plans from Kashmir to Himachal due to security concerns.”

The Himachal Pradesh government has ramped up efforts to promote the state as a peaceful, family-friendly destination. Campaigns showcasing apple orchards, snow-capped peaks, and spiritual retreats are resonating strongly with hesitant tourists.

Security vs. Serenity: The New Travel Dilemma

The incident in Kashmir has reignited the debate over security in conflict-prone areas and its long-term impact on the tourism economy. Experts warn that if the perception of risk isn’t tackled with transparency and strong policy, Kashmir tourism may face a prolonged slump, pushing travellers permanently towards alternatives like Himachal, Uttarakhand, or even international locations.

Political analysts also point to the broader ramifications, suggesting that such attacks are deliberately designed to destabilise the growing Kashmir tourism-driven peace narrative in Kashmir.

What Lies Ahead

With the peak summer season approaching, stakeholders in the Kashmir tourism industry are urging both the state and central governments to boost security measures, issue clear advisories, and launch recovery campaigns. However, trust takes time to rebuild.

As of now, Himachal’s gain is Kashmir’s loss – a shift that underscores how one incident can reshape travel trends across the region.