Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 21: Heads of Tourism organisations, representatives of Hospitality sector viz Hotel & Houseboats, and Travel, Trades sector held a meeting with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to review the severe downturn currently impacting the Valley’s tourism sector.
The representatives expressed anguish over past and recent incidents.
The meeting noted that these developments have caused a sharp and prolonged dip in tourist arrivals. Hotels and houseboats are witnessing extremely low occupancy, travel agencies are seeing negligible movement, and major tourist destinations are lying deserted. This slump has created deep financial distress across the hospitality and travel ecosystem.
The participants observed that the downturn has had far-reaching implications for Kashmir’s economy. Tourism remains one of the most critical pillars of livelihood in the region, sustaining lakhs of families directly and indirectly. With business collapsing, unemployment is rising, and revenues have fallen to unsustainable levels.
It was highlighted during the meeting that many hotel owners, houseboat operators, transporters, and tour operators are struggling to meet their basic financial commitments. A significant number are unable to repay bank loans clear power and services as earnings have sharply declined while operational costs continue to accumulate. This has pushed large parts of the sector to the brink of default, aggravating the economic strain.
Stakeholders also pointed out that the crisis has severely impacted daily wage earners, Shikara-walas, taxi drivers, ponny-wallahs, tourist guides, artisans, and other sections fully dependent on the tourism cycle. The disruption has affected the entire chain, leaving thousands of individuals and families vulnerable.
KCCI expressed solidarity with the stakeholders and stressed the urgent need for government intervention.
The meeting also underscored the critical need for a sustained tourism promotion campaign. It emphasised that restoring the confidence of travelers and countering negative perceptions about Kashmir should now be a top priority. Strong promotional efforts across domestic and international markets are essential to revive tourist arrivals and help the sector recover from the current crisis.
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