REGIONAL

Despite dry spell, Tourist footfall in January at Pahalgam higher than last year

By News Desk

January 25, 2024

Despite the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, Pahalgam, the renowned tourist destination in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has witnessed a footfall of around 50 thousand tourists in the ongoing month.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pahalgam Development Authority, Tariq Ahmad Naik informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that while the extended dry spell has impacted tourism, the destination continues to attract visitors.

He said efforts were underway to position Pahalgam as a full-fledged winter destination this year, but the absence of snow has affected those plans. “Tourists have been visiting, but the flow might have been more with snow,” he said

Despite the challenges, Naik said they remain hopeful. He said around 50,000 tourists have visited here this month, which is comparatively better.

“Some bookings have been cancelled as some tourists come specifically for snow. We hope there will be snow in the coming days, and we are ready for activities that will attract more and more tourists,” he added—(KNO)