Tourist footfall drops by 50% in 'dry' Kashmir

THE prolonged dry spell in Kashmir has significantly impacted the winter tourism sector in the region. The near snowless winter in the Valley has led to a 30-50 per cent drop in tourist footfall.

- FAYAZ WANI @Srinagar

THE prolonged dry spell in Kashmir has significantly impacted the winter tourism sector in the region. The near snowless winter in the Valley has led to a 30-50 per cent drop in tourist footfall. The 5th edition of Khelo India winter games, which was scheduled to be held in the world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, has also been postponed.

Tour operator and former Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Kashmir chapter president Zahoor Ahmed Qari said the tourists who wanted to see the snow have cancelled their visits to Kashmir.

"The tourists have cancelled their planned visits to Kashmir due to the ongoing dry weather and lack of snowfall. The tourists wanted to enjoy snowfall here for the life-time experience but in view of prolonged dry spell, many have cancelled their trips," he said.