Srinagar: Travel bookings in Kashmir have surged by more than 50% on Christmas and New Year.
Tourists are flocking to Kashmir to witness festivities in the backdrop of the snowclad mountains of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg.
Hotels particularly in Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam are fully sold out for Christmas and New Year.
“The footfall has increased in the last few weeks. Bookings are also coming in numbers on Christmas and New Year. Currently, high-end hotels in Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Sonmarg are completely sold out and we expect further increase in the rush in the coming week,” said Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, a prominent travel agent of Kashmir.
He said the recent snowfall has catalyzed the rush of tourists to Kashmir. “Snow plays an important role in attracting tourists to Kashmir. The valley’s upper reaches witnessed a few spells of snowfall following which the booking increased significantly,” Kuthoo said.
Umar Ahmad, another travel agent said the gala dinners and musical nights are all planned to enthrall tourists this Christmas and New Year at Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam.
“This has been our routine to plan activities for Christmas and New Year. Hotels and resorts in Gulmarg and Pahalgam have planned extravagant gala dinners and musical nights to mesmerize visitors. These events are expected to attract both domestic and international tourists seeking to celebrate the holiday season amidst Kashmir’s picturesque snow-covered landscape,” he said.
To ensure the festivities are a resounding success, the government has also stepped in with support. Grand New Year’s events are scheduled to take place across Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Srinagar, promising an unforgettable experience for tourists.
Officials said these four destinations have been identified for the grand celebration of the New Year event. They said the local as well as the national level artists will perform in the events.