Overview

• The Pahalgam terror attack led to a sharp decline in tourism, with over 80% of bookings canceled and new reservations almost nonexistent.
• Nearly 1.5 lakh people, including taxi drivers, pony operators, hotel staff, and artisans, have been left jobless as the tourism economy grinds to a halt.
• Many transport workers and youth entrepreneurs who took loans to expand their businesses are now unable to repay debts or sustain their families.
• Local businesses and young entrepreneurs are urging the government to provide emergency financial aid, freeze loan repayments, and launch safety campaigns to restore visitor confidence.
• The collapse of Kashmir’s Rs. 8,000 crore tourism sector highlights its fragile dependence on visitor confidence and the broader impact of regional security challenges.