Kashmir tourism likely to rebound to pre-Pahalgam levels by year's end: Minister
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, speaking on Thursday (June 19, 2025), said that there were signs that tourism to Kashmir, which saw a dip after the Pahalgam attack on April 22, would likely return to normal by the year's end.
'The way tourism has recovered in J&K over the last 1.5 months, we will be able to achieve pre-Pahalgam status by December,' Mr. Shekhawat said.
Appealing to people to join the Amarnath Yatra, starting from July 3, Mr. Shekhawat said, 'Kashmir is safe, and tourists should visit the valley. I appeal to the 140-crore people of India to try and see Kashmir's heritage and its historical grandeur and divinity, along with its natural beauty.'
In a post on X, the Union Minister said he visited the majestic Martand Temple, 'which is a profound reflection of the glory of Kashmir's civilisational past'. 'Built by the legendary King Lalitaditya, this grand temple dedicated to Surya was one of the earliest and most magnificent sun temples in India,' Mr. Shekhawat said.
'If it looks this awe-inspiring in its weathered form, one can imagine its grandeur of yore given the temple's scale, sculptural richness, and strategic location atop a plateau overlooking the valley,' he added.
Cultural glory
About the Avanti Swami temple in the Awantipora area of the Pulwama district, the Union Minister said he had an enchanted morning at the temple complex. 'These stones that are remains of the mighty temples once built by King Avantivarman in what was once his capital tell tales of the cultural glory of that era,' he added.
The Union Minister also met J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. An official said the duo 'discussed strategic measures for strengthening the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir.'
The one-on-one meeting focused on a broad range of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure, promoting heritage and cultural sites, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, the official said.
Both the leaders underscored the significance of tourism as a key driver of economic growth and cultural exchange in the region.
Mr. Abdullah, the spokesman, expressed appreciation for the Centre's continued support and reiterated the Government of Jammu and Kashmir's resolve to revive and reimagine the tourism sector to unlock its full potential for inclusive development.
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