SRINAGAR : Even though the Kashmir valley still awaits first major snowfall, tourist arrival has already picked up, which witnessed a major decrease due to devastating flood and five phase elections in the state. Meanwhile, state tourism department is organising a three-day ” Jashne Chilai-e-Kalan”, the 40 day coldest period of winter from tomorrow.
After almost zero booking due to devastating floods in the valley, the tourist arrival has again started picking up, though there is no major snowfall. “Despite below freezing temperature coupled with no snow, we have almost 100 per cent booking,” a hotel owner told UNI over phone from world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir.
He said there was decline in tourist arrival during September and October due to flood. However, November and December also kept tourists away because of Assembly elections.
Now, the tourists are arriving daily from different parts of the country besides foreigners, he said, adding that if there would have been snowfall, the number of tourists would have been much much more.
Large number of domestic and foreign tourists, particularly skiers and other adventure lovers were visiting Gulmarg during winter, he said, adding that this time, “we still await first major snowfall on slopes, finest in the world.”
He said last year, good number of tourists, including foreigners, visited the Gulmarg and “we expect good season this winter too.”
A hotel owner from Pahalgam said,”we registered about 40 to 45 per cent tourist booking this winter. There was also no snowfall,” he said, adding the number of tourists arrival remains between 50 per cent to 60 per cent every year. Meanwhile, the three-day Jashn will start tomorrow at S K International Convention Complex (SKICC) on the bank of Dal Lake with cultural performances, drama and short movie screenings.
On December 30 heritage walk, photography exhibition, painting exhibition, cultural programme and quiz related to tourism will be held at Nigeen club. The Jashn will shift to Gulmarg, where different programmes, including cultural programme, Ghazals, DJ music and Laser cracker show will be held on December 31. (AGENCIES)
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