Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Apr 4: With the arrival of spring, the Kashmir Valley has come alive with celebrations and a fresh wave of tourists, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob said on Friday. He announced that a series of events have been lined up over the next ten days across various locations to capitalize on the seasonal tourism boom.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the much-awaited Almond Bloom Festival at Srinagar’s Badamwari garden, Yaqoob said that the department has planned multiple events to celebrate the spring season.
“The spring season has begun, and we’ve organized a series of events across the valley to showcase its beauty. These were slightly delayed due to the holy month of Ramadhan,” Yaqoob said. “Now, we’re starting with events at Yousmarg, followed by wild tulip festivals in Pampore and cherry blossom shows, among others.”
The Director particularly highlighted the significance of Kashmir’s cherry blossoms, calling them an underrated attraction. “We want to promote cherry blossoms as a signature feature of Kashmir’s spring tourism,” he added.
Yaqoob noted that the tourism surge is evident from packed hotels and busy flight schedules. “Hotels are operating at 80-90% occupancy across the valley. Srinagar Airport is handling 54 daily flights, all full, with ticket prices crossing Rs 10,000—clear indicators of heavy tourist inflow,” he said.
The official explained that the cultural and musical programs serve dual purposes: entertaining visitors while promoting peace and providing local artists a platform. “Such events help put these destinations on the tourist map,” Yaqoob remarked.
He described the ongoing festivities as both a celebration of spring and proof of Kashmir’s growing appeal among travelers.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the Almond Bloom Festival at the historic Badamwari garden in Srinagar’s old city, officially marking spring’s arrival in the Valley. The event was attended by tourism officials and other dignitaries.
