With soaring temperatures disrupting life in the plains, Kashmir is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourism, marked by a notable increase in foreign arrivals. Hotels, houseboats, and homestays are fully booked, highlighting Kashmir’s growing popularity among travelers.
A senior tourism official reported that over a million tourists had arrived by mid-May, surpassing 2023’s numbers and setting the stage for a record-breaking year. Media reports indicate that over 12.5 lakh tourists have visited Kashmir so far, and if the current trend continues, 2024 is likely to break all previous records.
In addition to traditional spots, offbeat destinations such as Daksum, Doodhpathri, and Keran are attracting significant numbers of visitors. The region is currently receiving a high volume of tourists from Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, driven by abnormally high temperatures in these areas. A significant number of tourists are also coming from Bangalore.
Market players are noting an “uninterrupted flow” of tourists. The next two months are pre-booked, and hoteliers expect traffic from Delhi and Punjab to start after June, as is customary.
Meanwhile, authorities have started preparations to welcome Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, ensuring that the infrastructure and services are ready for the annual pilgrimage.