Srinagar, 3 June (H.S.): The tourism sector in Kashmir has started the long journey to normalcy as tourists, though in smaller numbers, are returning to the valley after the Pahalgam terror attack served a big blow to the industry.

Groups of tourists, especially from states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, are reaching the famous tourist resorts of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, infusing hopes of a gradual turnaround in the sector.

Though in marginal numbers, tourist arrivals have led to some sort of an activity in the sector which was considered almost dead in the days following the April 22 attack in Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam in which 25 tourists and a local were killed.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is leading from the forefront and is actively involved in the efforts to restore faith in the valley’s tourism potential.

The chief minister has been visiting famous tourist spots, taking his administration there, engaging with the stakeholders and interacting with tourists.

Abdullah recently chaired two back-to-back meetings,“ one of his council of ministers and another of the senior officers of the government,“ at Pahalgam and Gulmarg respectively to negate the perception of fear in the valley.

The Pahalgam attack had led to mass cancellations of bookings. Following the attack, tourists left the valley in droves, leaving trips midway, while confirmed bookings were also cancelled and there was a lack of interest in visiting Kashmir.

But now the clouds of fear are making way for the sunshine of positivity as queries about bookings are on the rise day by day.

“People have started coming back. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s meetings and visits (to Pahalgam and Gulmarg) have sent a positive message that the destinations are open. It has led to improvement in tourism,” Asif Burza, a hotelier with properties in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg, said.

He said after cancellations in bookings, tourists were now doing re-bookings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar