Srinagar: Tourism bodies, hotel and houseboat operators, and leading travel trade representatives met the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday to review what they described as one of the sharpest downturns the Valley’s tourism sector has faced in recent years.
The meeting, chaired at the KCCI office, saw widespread concern from stakeholders over past and recent incidents that they said have triggered a steep and prolonged decline in tourist arrivals. Participants said hotels and houseboats are recording “alarmingly low” occupancy, travel agencies are witnessing negligible bookings, and major tourist destinations are “largely deserted.”
According to stakeholders, the slump has pushed the entire hospitality and travel ecosystem into deep financial distress. Tourism — a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy — directly and indirectly supports lakhs of families. With businesses collapsing, unemployment is rising and revenues have fallen to what many described as unsustainable levels.
Representatives highlighted that hotel owners, houseboat operators, transporters and tour operators are struggling to meet basic financial obligations. Many are reportedly unable to repay bank loans or clear power and service-related dues as income has sharply declined while operating costs remain constant. The situation, they warned, has pushed a significant section of the industry to the brink of default.
The crisis has also hit daily wage earners and grassroots tourism workers the hardest. Shikarawalas, taxi drivers, ponywallahs, tourist guides, artisans and others who depend entirely on tourist inflow have seen their earnings evaporate, leaving thousands of households vulnerable.
KCCI expressed solidarity with the affected sectors and emphasised the urgent need for government support to prevent further economic deterioration. It also stressed the importance of launching a sustained tourism promotion campaign to rebuild traveller confidence and counter negative perceptions surrounding Kashmir.
The chamber said strong, coordinated promotional efforts across domestic and international markets would be crucial for reviving tourist arrivals and steering the sector toward recovery.
