A terrible terrorist attack struck the beautiful mountains of Indian Kashmir, sending the tourism business there reeling. Loads of trips were called off, and 48 well-known spots for tourists were shut down, maybe for good. The attack, which took 26 lives, didn’t just mess up the busiest time for travel; it also put the jobs of millions who rely on Kashmir’s tourism at risk.
High Season Start Marred by Painful Loss
Back on April 22, 2025, armed people, who Indian officials said were militants from Pakistan, started shooting at a group of tourists and a local worker in Baisaran grassland near Pahalgam. It’s a busy place that both locals and people from other countries love to visit. This attack killed 25 Indians and a person from Nepal, and it happened right when Kashmir’s busiest time (April to October) was kicking off. The timing really made things worse, basically stopping all the good progress in Kashmir’s tourism, which had seen a record 23.6 million visitors in 2024.
Right after the attack, fewer people wanted to travel there. LocalCircles, a social media, says that over 60% of families who had booked trips to Kashmir between May and December 2025 have now canceled them. Some travel companies are even saying that about 90% of their bookings have been canceled. Experts think there will be about an 80% drop in bookings because of all the news coverage that’s making people scared and unsure.
Tourist Spot Closures Worsen Situation
Because of the attack, Indian officials decided to shut down 48 popular tourist spots, like Yousmarg, Doodpathri, and Bangus Valley, until further notice, hoping to stop more attacks. A tourism official said that they got intelligence saying terrorists were planning more attacks. That’s why security folks suggested closing tourist spots that didn’t have strong security. These places, often newer or farther away, don’t have the security they need to keep visitors safe, leading to this tough decision.
These closures are hurting tour companies, guides, and hotels, with many seeing no customers at all right now. Tourism, which brings in about 7-8% of Jammu and Kashmir’s money and employs around a million people directly and indirectly, is facing uncertain time.
Recovery Hopes Dashed
Kashmir’s tourism had been doing great, with 23.6 million tourists in 2024, including more people from other countries. This comeback had people feeling good about the future, but this recent attack shows just how easily things can be disrupted by security problems. The closures and cancellations could undo years of progress, leaving local businesses and workers in a tough spot.
Security forces have stepped up their game across the region, doing lots of searches and sending more troops to big tourist areas. While this is to make things safer, it’s also scaring off visitors who are worried about the increased tensions.
Diplomatic Issues Add Trouble
The attack has also made things worse between India and Pakistan, with India blaming Pakistan directly. This has led to some tense talks, with strong words from both sides, making the situation even more complicated and possibly making people think Kashmir isn’t a safe place to visit.
Looking Ahead for Kashmir’s Tourism
The Pahalgam attack and the closures have made things look pretty bad for Kashmir’s tourism, but people are still hoping for a way to bounce back. Making tourist spots more secure, running campaigns to get travelers to feel safe again, and working together to fix security problems will be key to getting things back on track. For now, the people of Kashmir are really trying to cope with it all. Those individuals whose means of supporting themselves hinge on the area’s aesthetic appeal and rich cultural history, they are encountering considerable challenges as they work to revitalize the tourism sector.