SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to reopen 12 tourist destinations across the Union Territory from Monday, September 29, 2025, describing it as a timely measure to restore vibrancy in the tourism sector.
The decision was taken under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during a high-level review meeting earlier this week. As per the announcement, seven sites in the Kashmir division — including Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, Akkad Park, Padshahi Park, and Kaman Post — and five in the Jammu division — including Dagan Top in Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, and Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi — will be opened for visitors.
Expressing gratitude to the administration, the KCCI said the move would help revive confidence in the tourism sector, which has been reeling under prolonged closure since the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The Chamber, however, urged that all remaining destinations still closed be reopened immediately to minimise further economic losses.
Highlighting the impact of the shutdown, KCCI said the hospitality sector, including hotels, houseboats, and guesthouses, was witnessing very low occupancy, with negligible bookings in many units. Allied sectors — transport operators, travel agents, ponywalas, shikarawalas, guides, artisans, and traders — have also been severely hit.
The Chamber stressed that reopening all destinations would boost stakeholder morale, improve business sentiment, and project Kashmir as a safe and welcoming tourist hub. It also called for a comprehensive tourism revival plan, including marketing campaigns and special incentives for tourism-linked businesses, to accelerate recovery.
Reaffirming its commitment to work with the administration, KCCI said the tourism sector remains a key pillar of J&K’s economy and a vital source of livelihood for thousands of people.
