Tourism Sector Recovering in JK Post-Pahalgam Attack: Yasha Mudgal

SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal on Tuesday said that tourist footfall is steadily increasing across Kashmir and the region is likely to match last year’s arrival figures soon.

Speaking to reporters at SKICC on the sidelines of the two-day National Secretaries’ Conference, Mudgal said that arrivals are picking up across all major destinations, with visitors coming from various parts of the country to places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.

She said that as the numbers continue to rise, the administration expects the overall figures to soon match those of the previous year. “The tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir is bouncing back and once again emerging as a preferred destination for travellers,” she said.

Mudgal was responding to a query about the reported decline in tourism activity following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. She acknowledged the efforts of the Lieutenant Governor and other officials in reviving the tourism sector.

Commenting on the two-day event at SKICC, she described it as the biggest event of the year, stating that it has set the tone for the upcoming season. “Secretaries from all States and Union Territories took part in brainstorming sessions, held under the directions of the Ministry of Tourism, with the Lieutenant Governor himself participating. This reflects the importance of J&K as a priority destination,” she added.

The Union Ministry of Tourism organised the two-day Tourism Secretaries’ Conference on July 7 and 8, 2025, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar—marking the first time such a national event was held in Jammu and Kashmir. The conference brought together Tourism Secretaries and Department Heads from across the country for high-level discussions on collaborative policy-making and strategic planning.

Key focus areas included the tourism-related Union Budget announcements for 2025–26, destination development, infrastructure initiatives, review of sanctioned projects, promotion strategies, investment opportunities, and film tourism.

A special session dedicated to Union Territories was held on Tuesday. (KNO)