Gulmarg Tourism Stakeholders Express Solidarity with Pahalgam Attack Victims, Pledge to Revive Kashmir’s Tourism
Srinagar, May 28, 2025: In a heartfelt gesture of unity and resilience, delegations from Gulmarg’s tourist trade met with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday to express their solidarity with the families of the victims of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, including 25 tourists and a local ponywala. The meeting, held in Gulmarg, underscored the region’s determination to restore confidence in Kashmir’s tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the tragic incident.
The Gulmarg tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers, travel agents, and local service providers, warmly welcomed tourists and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe and fulfilling travel experience. Their message reflects the enduring spirit of Kashmir’s hospitality and resilience in the face of adversity. “Their spirit reflects Kashmir’s strength and warmth,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on X, highlighting the community’s resolve to move forward despite the setback caused by the attack.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred at Baisaran meadow, triggered widespread cancellations and a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, with hotel occupancy in Pahalgam plummeting to just 10% and near-zero occupancy reported in Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg. In response, the J&K government, led by CM Abdullah, has taken proactive steps to revive the tourism industry. On May 27, Abdullah chaired a cabinet meeting in Pahalgam, followed by another in Gulmarg on May 28, signaling normalcy and safety to prospective visitors. These meetings, attended by top civil and police officials, were described as a “clear message” that the Valley will not be cowed by acts of terror.
Local tourism bodies, such as the United Pahalgam Trade Forum (UPTF) and the Indian Tourist Transport Association (ITTA), have also rallied to support the revival efforts. The UPTF has urged the government to reopen tourist locales in Pahalgam, while the ITTA announced a three-day visit by 1,000 members to Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg to showcase the region’s safety and hospitality. Additionally, tourism businesses have introduced discounts of up to 50% on tour packages to attract visitors back to the Valley.
The tourism sector, a backbone of J&K’s economy, had seen a record 35 lakh visitors in 2024 and 5 lakh in the first quarter of 2025 before the attack disrupted the momentum. Stakeholders emphasized that tourism should be viewed as a “conflict-neutral” economic activity, with CM Abdullah proposing national-level events and PSU conferences in Kashmir to boost confidence.
As Kashmir navigates this challenging period, the solidarity shown by Gulmarg’s tourism community and the government’s proactive measures send a powerful message: the Valley remains open, resilient, and ready to welcome tourists with its signature warmth and beauty.
