Jahangeer Ganaie
Pahalgam, Dec 8: The government needs to enhance facilities at Pahalgam to attract more tourists especially in winters, demand tourism.
Hoteliers, pony walas and others associated with the tourism in Pahalgam said that the current tourist flow in Pahalgam is very low and they are expecting arrivals to pick up from December 20 ahead of Christmas and New Year.
Javaid Ahmad, President Hotelier association Pahalgam said that the government must enhance facilities at Pahalgam so as to increase the tourism flow there especially in winters.
“Pahalgam has much potential to be developed as a winter tourism destination but the government should set up ice skating rinks, 24×7 power supply, and potable water facilities,” he added.
Ahmad said that around 600-700 rooms in Pahalgam are centrally heated but there is very little rush currently and there would be a 20 percent increase in occupancy by December 20.
Tourism stakeholders requested the government to make all facilities available like they are in Gulmarg.
Ski lifting, cable car facilities, winter sports tournaments and other facilities at the spot will attract more and more tourists towards Pahalgam and the government must look into it, they said.
Assistant Director Tourism Pahalgam Bilal Ahmad said that currently tourism flow is but it will pick up from December 20.
“We have planned to organize small courses besides winter festival, sport activities and the hotelier association is also going to organize a few cultural evenings in snow,” he said.
He acknowledged electricity is snapped but said they have taken up all issues with higher ups and everything will be fine like last year.
