Kashmir Tourism Shattered! Heartbreaking Pahalgam Attack and Its Impacts

The terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, Anantnag District, has cast a sorrowful shadow over the whole nation. The terror attack, which has taken the lives of 26 tourists and injured a dozen others, has raised concerns about the safety measures in Kashmir. This attack is followed by the massive cancellation of bookings for Kashmir. Kashmir's development started with the removal of Article 370 in the year 2019. Post-2019, Kashmir has seen significant growth in its economy. But with the Pahalgam attack of 2025, the question ‘How safe is Kashmir for tourists?’ arises in everyone’s mind.

Tourism in Kashmir

There was no secured access to Kashmir’s geographical bounds till 2019. With Article 370 imposed on Kashmir, the lack of a government rule in the region hindered the growth of Kashmir. Due to a lack of authority, the UN was disconnected from its nation and was always terrorized by extremists and terrorist groups. With the removal of Article 370, the Union Territory finally saw the hope of development. With government interference after COVID-19, tourism in Kashmir started to bud. But incidents like this can hamper the growth of the economy. One of the hoteliers stated, “There is fear again. Tourism was the biggest hope for economic recovery. This one attack has undone years of confidence-building” after the room bookings got canceled as a result of the attack.  

In the recorded GDSP of the territory, tourism alone constitutes 7-8% of the GDP. Tourism in Kashmir not only facilitates economic growth but also creates employment for a large number of localities, cultivating an employment share of 31.31 percent. Therefore, tourism is considered the primary economic driver in Kashmir. 

This is not the first time such incidents have happened, and they are affecting the tourism of Kashmir. Previously in Jammu and Kashmir, the number of visiting tourists dropped closer to zero in 1989-1996 due to the Indo-Pak conflict. The domestic arrivals themselves decreased to 396 from 6669 in the year 1990. The conflicts in this Union territory have always directly affected the tourism rate.

Pahalgam Violence: The Impact on Tourism

The terror attack has raised concerns about Kashmir tourism safety, resulting in massive cancellations of flight and hotel bookings. The bookings in Kashmir during the summer are highest starting from the end of February and will continue till the middle of October. Many of those who went to Kashmir as their travel destination are planning for their departure from the destination. This has resulted in increased airline services being offered. Air India offered full money on cancellation of tickets. It posted in its X account, "Given the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23."

Shamim Shah, the chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India for the Jammu and Kashmir chapter, stated, “Yes, it is quite obvious that tourists might put their travel plans on hold. But it's too premature to comment on what extent the cancellations will happen. Such incidents indeed instill fear among tourists, but we should not allow the perpetrators of such ghastly acts to succeed.” Agreeing with the amount of Pahalgam news impact on tourism to Kashmir. 

Terrorist attacks like Pahalgam will associate the negative image with the destinations of Kashmir. Incidents like this will raise the question of protection in the minds of the tourists. A tourist will look for a destination that is not involved in conflict. With attacks like this, the concern for one’s safety prevails, resulting in avoiding such a destination as a protective measure. With Pahalgam being attacked, even though it is one of the major tourist destinations in Kashmir, it highlights the lack of security in the tourist places. When tourists realize that one place lacks security, then they will avoid such areas in general. With this narrative being attached to the destination, it will be extended to the whole territory, affecting not only Pahalgam but also Kashmir and India. Therefore, Indian tourism after terror attacks may see a significant blow, as the chances of the whole nation being considered as the red zone for terrorism.

India travel safety after Pahalgam attack

Tourist safety in Kashmir has become the main concern at present. The Indian government has already started to take measures for the safety of the tourists who are in Pahalgam. The majority of the tourists will be sent back safely through additional services made available through airlines and trains. The site of the crime is being closely monitored by the army.

But even such an environment wouldn’t be a pleasant one for the tourists to visit. To be welcomed by a destination, the presence of the army will give rise to more speculations about the safety of the place. To avoid such acts in the future, government should impose strict measures including:-

• Increase the border security.

• Strengthened security at major tourist places.

• More tightened security checks near the borders of countries with which the conflict exists.

• Sealing off potential conflict places from contact with the public.

• More rigorous centralized laws related to arms.

Though traveling to such places would be restricted for some time, till the investigation is completed. Avoiding visits to destinations with terror attacks for some time, till any further notice is given, would be advisable. When visiting such places, it's better to see the recent development of that environment and make a plan to visit it.

Global leaders on the terror attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "My dear friend Narendra Modi, I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism," Israel's Prime Minister's Office posted on X. 

French President Emmanuel Macron said "A heinous attack has struck India, claiming the lives of dozens of men and women from all walks of life. We share the profound sorrow of the victims' families, to whom I extend my heartfelt condolences,"

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun "We mourn the victims and extend our sincere sympathies to the families of the victims and the injured, China strongly condemns this attack.” 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "I am shocked by the horrific terror attack on innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir overnight. There is no justification for this violence, and Australia condemns it. Our hearts go out to the injured, to those mourning loved ones, and to everyone in Australia touched by this terrible news."

US President Donald Trump stated "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!"

Russian President Putin said "sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam whose victims were civilians - citizens of various countries. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured."

Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said, "Deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Nepal stands firmly with India & strongly condemns any & all acts of terrorism. Close coordination is established to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims & will provide all necessary assistance."