"Gulmarg's Winter Tourism Industry Faces Crisis Amid Unprecedented Dry Spell, Stakeholders Hopeful for Snowy Revival"

-


 Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort nestled in the picturesque valley, is facing a formidable challenge as an unprecedented dry spell engulfs the region, adversely affecting the winter tourism industry. The absence of the quintessential snow, a pivotal element for activities such as skiing and snowmobiling, has dealt a blow to the livelihoods of local stakeholders, casting a shadow over the economic landscape of the entire region.

Local entrepreneurs, including ski rental shops and adventure tour operators, find themselves grappling with significant economic challenges as the dearth of snowfall persists. Aqib Chaya, the President of the Hotelier Association, voiced deep concern, revealing that approximately 40 percent of bookings have already been cancelled. He emphasized that the situation has created a dire scenario for local hoteliers, extending into the upcoming months of February and March.

“The economic repercussions are not confined to businesses alone but are affecting the livelihoods of those directly involved in the tourism sector,” Aqib said. He added that there is a ripple effect across the entire tourism ecosystem, with the lack of snow significantly reducing the number of visiting tourists. This, in turn, has a direct impact on revenue and operational capacity as hotels adjust to accommodate fewer guests.

Local businesses, including tourist guides, are facing a challenging period, and the impact is felt throughout the tourism industry. Skiers, drawn to Gulmarg for its iconic skiing experience, express disappointment over the dearth of snowfall, which also poses challenges for athletes preparing for international competitions.

Adventure tour operators, integral to the region's tourism experience, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of snow, hoping for a revival that will bring back the joy and thrill of winter sports to this iconic destination. Despite the current challenges, stakeholders in Gulmarg remain hopeful for a snowy resurgence that will not only boost the spirits of tourists but also rejuvenate the local economy.

The dry spell's impact goes beyond the immediate concerns of local businesses, as the tourism sector in Kashmir heavily relies on Gulmarg's popularity. The region's tourism contributes significantly to economic development, providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. Government data reveals that Gulmarg welcomed an impressive 1.65 million tourists throughout 2023, surpassing the previous year's mark.

As the dry spell persists, stakeholders in Gulmarg emphasize the importance of sustainable measures to mitigate the impact on the region's vital tourism industry. The need for adaptive strategies and resilient planning becomes crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of Gulmarg as a premier winter tourism destination.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Prolonged Dry Spell Threatens Kashmir Fruit Growers with Potential Losses as Experts Warn of Early Flowering Impacting Yield and Quality"

-
Image
  Prolonged dry spells in Kashmir are casting a shadow over the livelihoods of fruit growers, who now face potential losses as experts warn of early flowering impacting fruit quality and quantity. The absence of rainfall or snowfall, even in January, has raised concerns among farmers in the valley, with experts cautioning about the detrimental effects on soil moisture, particularly for apple orchards, in the upcoming season. Prof Khalid Mushtaq, the Head of the Division of Fruit Sciences at SKUAST Srinagar, acknowledged the current safety of the situation, expressing hope for the best. However, he cautioned that if the dryness persists into February and temperatures rise significantly, early flowering could occur, adversely affecting fruit set and ultimately impacting yield. Dr. Mushtaq advised against pruning during such weather conditions, emphasizing its potential to negatively impact the trees. Scientist Akhtar Malik from Kashmir University's Department of Botany underscored th...
Read more

"13-Year-Old Rabab Prodigy, Ishfaq Hamid, Receives Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar for Musical Excellence"

-
Image
  In a heartwarming tale of passion and dedication, Ishfaq Hamid, a 13-year-old Rabab maestro from the Kreeri area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district, has earned the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award for his exceptional contributions to the world of music. His melodious compositions, resonating far beyond the region, have not only garnered accolades but also national recognition. Discovering his love for the Rabab at the tender age of seven, Ishfaq, now a sixth-grade student, views the instrument not merely as a musical tool but as a companion—a language through which he eloquently expresses his emotions. Under the guidance of his father, Abdul Hamid, a seasoned Rabab player with 37 years of experience, Ishfaq embraced the family tradition and embarked on a journey to become a maestro in his own right. President of India, Daroupadi Murmu, presented Ishfaq with the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar Award at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi, on January 22, marking a significant mileston...
Read more

Zelensky Warns of Global Conflict: Ukraine Crisis a Precursor to World War III?

-
Image
  In a candid interview with German state broadcaster ARD, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the peril of the Ukraine conflict potentially escalating into a global catastrophe, cautioning that if Russia were to target a NATO country, it could mark the inception of World War III. Zelensky sought support from nations ranging from Germany to the United States during the interview. Expressing his belief that Chancellor Olaf Scholz is cognizant of the risk, Zelensky addressed the disappointment over Germany's decision not to provide Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. He remarked that his disappointment stemmed from Germany's failure to play the role it should have during the initial occupation of Ukraine, referencing the West's tepid response to Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014. Highlighting that the issue extends beyond Scholz and Germany, Zelensky stressed that European leaders and the United States have a collective responsibility. He pointed out the historical...
Read more