Kochi: The Pahalgam terror attack severely impacted Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector, resulting in losses worth crores of rupees, JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said on Saturday.
Speaking to PTI Videos on the sidelines of the Urban Conclave here, where he represented the Jammu and Kashmir government, Sadiq noted that hundreds of hotel and ‘Shikara’ bookings were cancelled following the attack, causing a massive blow to the tourism industry.
“All bookings were cancelled as tourists were too scared to travel after the terror attack. It crippled our tourism,” said Sadiq, who is also the chief spokesperson and Communication Incharge of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.
However, he added that the sector has since recovered, with tourist inflow to the Union Territory returning to normal.
“Thanks to the support of people across the country, we are back on track, and more tourists are now visiting Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025, when militants opened fire at a popular meadow near Pahalgam, killing 26 people, mostly tourists.
Sadiq also highlighted the challenges faced by apple farmers due to political instability and terrorism in the region.
“In a Union Territory without stability, everyone suffers. Connectivity issues between Srinagar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir prevented farmers from transporting their produce,” he said.
He noted that the introduction of a freight train service has begun to revive the sector and called for an increase in its frequency.
Congratulating the Kerala government for organizing the Urban Conclave, Sadiq said Jammu and Kashmir has much to learn from the southern state in terms of tourism and planned development.
“This conclave is exemplary, and we could consider replicating similar policies in Jammu and Kashmir. We also need comprehensive planning to mitigate damage caused by extreme weather in our state,” he added.
