The arrival of the monsoons in Kashmir has led to a decline in hotel bookings in the region. Hoteliers say that they are expecting a further decline in bookings in the next three months, as the tourist season typically slows down during this time.
One hotelier, who asked not to be named, said that they were fully booked until June, but that bookings have since declined. “The current booking patterns have started dipping as the holiday phase has passed and the arrival of monsoon has further changed the mood of aspiring travelers,” he said.
He added that the high airfares have also contributed to the decline in bookings. “High air ticket rates have cut the holiday figure short, those taking road journey have a nightmare to share with the fellow people giving bad experience as well sending damaged signals to the next lot of people who are planning to visit Kashmir,” he said.
JKL Travels, a prominent travel consultancy, also said that they were experiencing a decline in bookings. “This is not a new phenomenon, the next three months are like that, and the tourist arrivals go on the lower side due to the end of holidays,” they said.
They also said that the high airfares have made it difficult for people to afford to travel to Kashmir. “Those who are taking the road journey are facing a lot of problems,” they said. “The roads are in bad condition and there are frequent traffic jams. People get stuck on highway for hours. ”
The decline in hotel bookings is a worrying sign for the tourism industry in Kashmir. The industry has been struggling in recent years, due to a number of factors, including the ongoing security situation in the region.
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However, hoteliers are hopeful that the situation will improve in the coming months. They say that the government should do more to promote tourism in Kashmir, and that they should also address the issue of high airfares.
If the government takes these steps, hoteliers believe that the tourism industry in Kashmir can recover and start to grow again.
Here are some of the things that the government can do to promote tourism in Kashmir:
- Increase the number of flights to Kashmir.
- Reduce the cost of airfares.
- Promote Kashmir as a tourist destination.
- Improve the infrastructure in Kashmir.
If the government takes these steps, it will help to attract tourists to Kashmir and boost the tourism industry in the region.
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In addition to the above, the government could also consider the following measures to promote tourism in Kashmir:
- Offer tax breaks to hotels and other tourism businesses.
- Provide financial assistance to tour operators.
- Organize cultural events and festivals to attract tourists.
By taking these steps, the government can help to revive the tourism industry in Kashmir and create jobs for the local people.
Here are some tips for planning a trip to Kashmir:
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance: This will help you to get the best deals on airfares and accommodation.
- Consider traveling during the off-season: The off-season is a great time to visit Kashmir, as the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower.
- Travel with a group or with a tour operator: This can help to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
- Be respectful of the local culture and customs: This will help you to have a more positive experience in Kashmir.
