Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Nov 24: After a successful autumn, Kashmir is witnessing a spurt in the bookings for winter months, thereby indicating a packed season this year.
Travel agents of Kashmir said they witnessed a huge flow of tourism this autumn after many years. They expect the winter to be a lucrative season for Kashmir tourism given a huge spike in the enquiries and bookings by tourists.
“It was for the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir tourism that we received a huge flow of tourism in autumn. Now, winter, which has always been a lucrative season for Kashmir tourism, is going to break all the previous records this year,” said Rauf Tramboo, president Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK).
He said they are reporting advance bookings by the tourists particularly for Christmas and New Year.
“Kashmir is the most sought destination during winter. Bookings are coming in large numbers for Christmas and New Year, when Gulmarg tends to be the main attraction. We are hopeful to have a great winter this season,” Tramboo said.
Pertinently, the government this year is gearing to keep Sonmarg open for tourists this winter.
Tramboo said the opening of Sonmarg for tourists could prove a game changer since they receive a lot of enquiries for the famed tourist destination.
“Apart from Sonmarg, Doodhpathri and Pahalgam are also in good demand for winter. This destination will bring a new flavour of adventure for tourists visiting during winter,” he said.
Travel agents said they have added various services in their packages this winter.
“We have included musical evenings and gala dinners for tourists visiting the valley on the eve of Christmas and New Year. Further, those who visit during January and afterwards will be taken to Sonmarg and Doodhpathri for winter adventure sports,” said Umar Ahmad, another travel agent.
An official of the tourism department said they have made the entire arrangement to ensure a successful winter season.
“Preparation have been already made and reviewed for winter sports in Gulmarg. Sonmarg, which is opening for the first time for tourists this winter will also enthrall visitors with a variety of adventure sports being held by the tourism department,” he said.
