Srinagar, Dec 30: Snow has brought cheers to the tourism stakeholders with January bookings surging by 30 percent.
Kashmir has witnessed a surge in the flow of tourists on Christmas and New Year with high-end hotels sold out till the first week of January.
Now the recent snowfall has given a further impetus to the booking by tourists, with travel agents expecting a packed January.
“We had a good flow for Christmas and New Year. Now after snowfall, enquiries are coming in good numbers. Snow adds charm to Kashmir and adventure sports also begin. Hence tourists love to spend winter vacations in Kashmir,” said Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, a travel agent.
Travel agents said the bookings for January have surged by almost 30 percent in the last three days. “Kashmir has become a focal point for visitors for the last three days now. Adventure sports have kicked off and inquiries are coming in good numbers. There is at least a hike of 30 percent in the bookings by tourists this week so far, ” said Khalid Ahmad Bhat, another travel agent.
Gulmarg, renowned for its ski slopes and cable car rides, remains a top choice for adventure seekers. Drung, a quaint village known for its frozen waterfalls, has also emerged as a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. Srinagar’s Dal Lake, adorned with a snowy backdrop, and Pahalgam’s serene vistas continue to captivate visitors.
An intensified social media campaign has also followed at the national level which highlights the winter beauty of Kashmir.
Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are flooded with stunning visuals of snow-covered landscapes, cozy houseboats, and adventure activities. The campaign has successfully positioned Kashmir as a premier winter destination.
The campaign highlights not only the natural beauty but also winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and trekking.
Pertinently, close to three million tourists, including foreigners, traveled to Jammu and Kashmir this year, setting a new record.
The total tourist footfall in Jammu and Kashmir stood at about 2.95 million, rising significantly from 2.71 million in 2023, and 2.67 million in 2022.