Post-World Craft City declaration, Sgr’s downtown lures tourists in numbers

Srinagar, Jul 8: Post-declaration of Srinagar as ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council, the city’s downtown, which is the valley’s handicraft cluster, is getting an increased attention from the tourists.
Last month, the World Craft Council recognized Srinagar as the ‘World Craft City’ after conducting inspections for the title.
After the city bagged the title, the rush of tourists to downtown, which is an amalgamation of various handicraft forms, has become a focal point for tourists especially foreigners.
Tourists from around the world are flocking to witness first-hand the intricate processes behind Kashmir’s famed Pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, and intricately carved walnut woodwork.
“After handicraft department started conducting craft tours, we began witnessing the flow of tourists. Now especially after the city was declared as ‘World Craft City ‘, the flow of tourists has increased. Mostly foreigners visit the city’s downtown areas including Rajouri Kadal, Nawakadal, Safakadal, Bohrikadal and adjacent areas to witness the making of Pashmina and woodwork,” said Farooq Ahmad an artisan.
Travel agents said they are getting queries from the tourists for a tour to the downtown area of the city to witness the heritage, culture and crafts.
“We have even included it in our packages for a heritage tour to the city’s downtown areas. For the last few weeks, we get queries from the tourists regarding downtown. Foreigners, especially, love experiencing the culture of Kashmir. So they visit the workplaces of artisans and even make purchases of various craft items,” said Umar Ahmad, a travel agent.
“Since the announcement, Srinagar has witnessed a surge in tourist interest, with visitors eager to explore the city’s vibrant markets and workshops,” he added.
The director of handicrafts and handloom Mahmood Ahmad Shah said the title will promote the city as the world craft destination, thereby benefiting the entire industry.
“It will help us project Srinagar as an international craft destination. People from different parts of the world will come over here to see the craft,” he said.
Local artisans and craft associations have expressed optimism about the recognition, believing it will revive interest in traditional crafts and provide sustainable livelihoods for thousands of skilled workers.