Hotels go silent in Kashmir; thousands of seasonal workers left without hope

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SRINAGAR 26 MAY Hospitality sector in Kashmir is facing a severe crisis following the tragic events of April 22, 2025, when gunmen attacked tourists in Pahalgam, resulting in 26 deaths. This incident, coupled with subsequent military tensions between India and Pakistan, has led to a dramatic decline in tourism, a vital component of the region’s economy.

In the immediate aftermath, tens of thousands of tourists fled the region, leading to mass cancellations of hotel bookings and a significant drop in occupancy rates. According to Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, vice president of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association, approximately 12,000 hotel rooms that were previously booked until June have been canceled, leaving tens of thousands of people associated with the hospitality industry unemployed .

The economic impact extends beyond hotels. Local businesses such as handicrafts, food stalls, and taxi services have also suffered due to the sharp decline in tourist activity. Idyllic destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, once bustling with visitors, now stand eerily silent, with many daily wage workers struggling to find employment .

The crisis has forced some hotel owners to consider selling their properties. Reports indicate that several high-value hotels and guesthouses in prime tourist areas have been listed for sale, signaling deeper financial distress within the hospitality sector .

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