Tourist footfall rises in Kashmir year after Pahalgam terror attack; visitors enjoy Anantnag’s apple valleys

Anantnag, May 18 (IANS) Despite last year’s terror attack in Pahalgam, tourist footfall in Kashmir is once again witnessing a strong revival, with visitors flocking to the Valley to enjoy its pleasant weather, scenic beauty, and renowned hospitality. Tourists were seen relishing fresh apple juice in the lush apple orchards of Anantnag while exploring the picturesque landscapes of the region.

After a brief slowdown following the terror attack last year in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists, tourists from various states across India have started returning to Kashmir in large numbers. The renewed tourist activity has brought life back to the Valley, with visitors thronging popular destinations and enjoying the natural charm and peaceful atmosphere of Kashmir.

IANS spoke to several tourists visiting the region, many of whom expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements and hospitality of the local people.

A tourist from Pune, Maharashtra, said, “I am feeling very good to be here. The temperature in Maharashtra is around 40 degrees, while here it is around 8 to 10 degrees. Kashmir truly feels like heaven. People should visit this place at least once in their lifetime.”

Commenting on perceptions about Kashmir, the tourist added, “The way people here are portrayed on television is completely different from reality. We have been here for two days and really liked the nature of the people. They are very helpful. Security personnel are present everywhere, and till now we have not felt any risk factor. I would definitely say that people should come here.”

Another tourist, Reecha, said, “Kashmir is a place that people dream of visiting at least once in their lives. Everything is fine here.”

A tourist travelling in a group of 10 people said, “Everything is very nice here. Security arrangements are very tight, and we are very happy. After Anantnag, we will also visit Pahalgam.”

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp surge in tourist arrivals in the post-2019 period, with over 7.85 crore tourists visiting the Union Territory between 2023 and 2025, compared to 4.76 crore visitors during 2016-18.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also heads the tourism department, had shared detailed tourist footfall figures in the Legislative Assembly earlier this year.

According to official data, Kashmir division received over 59 lakh tourists during 2016-18, which increased significantly to 2.42 crore tourists between 2023 and 2025, reflecting a major revival in tourism after 2019.

However, the government noted a decline in tourist arrivals in Kashmir in 2025, with footfall dropping from over 98 lakh in 2024 to over 47 lakh in 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack.

In the Jammu region, tourist arrivals rose from 4.16 crore during 2016-18 to 5.43 crore between 2023 and 2025, driven largely by pilgrimage and religious tourism.

Among the major religious destinations, the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra continued to dominate tourist inflow, attracting over 95 lakh pilgrims in 2024, up from 90 lakh in 2023. More than 69 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine so far this year.

–IANS

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