Month after terror attack, tourism in Pahalgam down by over 95%

One month after the devastating terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, the region's tourism industry remains in turmoil.

- JAHANGEER GANAIE

The terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives, has caused a dramatic decline in tourist arrivals, leaving local businesses and workers facing unprecedented challenges.

Locals from Pahalgam, speaking to the news agency, said that business is down by over 95 per cent, as many people associated with the tourism sector are unable to earn their livelihoods.

Before the attack, Pahalgam was bustling with approximately 15,000 tourists daily, supporting a vibrant ecosystem of hoteliers, cab drivers, pony handlers and artisans, they said.

Since the attack, this number has sharply declined, and currently, only about 2 per cent of tourists are visiting Pahalgam, resulting in significant economic distress, as per locals associated with tourism.