Kashmir Tourism Takes a Hit After Pahalgam Terror Attack

The picturesque valley of Kashmir is facing a major setback in its tourism industry following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. According to the Kashmir Hotel Association (KHA), a staggering 80% of tourist bookings have been canceled since the tragic incident on April 22nd, 2025.

Mushtaq Chaya, the chairman of KHA, expressed understanding for the cancellations, calling them “justified and natural” given the circumstances. While the tourism sector feels the blow, Chaya emphasized that the people of Kashmir are deeply saddened by the attack and have united in condemning it.

The attack has indeed caused widespread disruption. Many tourists chose to cut their vacations short, leaving Kashmir via special flights and trains.

Satish Vaishya, head of Pooja Holidays, a Mumbai-based travel company, offered his support to the Kashmir tourism industry. He highlighted that Kashmir has faced challenges before, including the 2010 unrest, the 2014 floods, the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and the ‘Boycott Kashmir’ campaign following the Pulwama attack in 2019. Vaishya remains optimistic, stating, “We have always supported the ‘Love Kashmir, Promote Kashmir’ campaign. I am hopeful tourism will pick up again.”

The impact of the attack extends beyond the tourism sector. A delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to express their condemnation of the attack and their solidarity with the victims’ families. Javid Ahmad Tenga, the head of KCCI, emphasized that the tragedy transcends economic considerations, striking at the core of society and shared humanity. The KCCI also voiced concern over the targeting of Kashmiri students and businesspeople living outside the Union Territory.

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