Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, May 17: Gulmarg, the premier tourist destination in Kashmir, has experienced an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals over the past five months, with officials attributing it to robust tourism campaigns, bolstered security measures, and substantial improvements in infrastructure.
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According to the official, the rise in tourists not only boosts the local economy but also demonstrates how successfully the administration and security agencies have carried out their strategic goals. They asserted that the enhanced security situation, effective tourism promotions, and increased infrastructure had helped Gulmarg solidify its position as a top travel destination for travelers looking for life-altering experiences.
From January to April 2023, Gulmarg’s Tourist Office experienced a steady rise in visitor numbers. In January, domestic tourists numbered 69,383, accompanied by 26,149 locals, bringing the total to 95,989. As February rolled in, the charm of Gulmarg attracted even more tourists, with domestic figures reaching 73,690, locals at 10,421, and foreigners at 1,094.
March witnessed an increase in domestic tourists, totalling 92,412, alongside 11,350 locals and 1,197 international visitors. April saw the highest figures with 120,009 domestic, 14,617 local, and 457 foreign tourists. With a cumulative count of 367,203 domestic visitors, 72,426 locals, and 4,218 international tourists, Gulmarg became a favored destination, showcasing its natural allure and warm hospitality to the world.
The Gondola ride, one of the primary attractions of Gulmarg, has seen an astounding rise in popularity, drawing up to 400,000 tourists since the start of this year. The government has added additional time slots to suit the overwhelmingly high demand.
Early morning long lines provide the tourist attraction vibrancy and stimulate local commerce. One Bangalore-based traveller, Rohina, expressed her joy. “I have come to Kashmir with my daughter as she wants to witness snow. The scenery is amazing, and the Gondola trip was fun. Everybody should come and visit here because it truly is heaven on earth,” she said.
To accommodate intrepid travelers, the Cable Car Corporation’s managing director, Jeelani Zargar, announced the rollout of the Tatkal ticketing system. “Tickets used to be released months in advance, favoring those who planned their visits well in advance. However, they extended the operating hours by one hour and started the Tatkal ticketing slot at 8 a.m., realizing the necessity to accommodate tourists with last-minute arrangements. This extra hour will only be used to make it easier for people who are visiting Gulmarg spontaneously to make on-the-spot ticket bookings,” he said.
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