Tourism stakeholders welcome timely decision; traders, hoteliers, tour operators express ‘special gratitude’, say it will boost industry
Srinagar, Feb 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday ordered reopening of 14 more tourist spots across Jammu and Kashmir Divisions.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the Lieutenant Governor’s office this morning announced that eleven tourist spots in the Kashmir and three in Jammu have been reopened with immediate effect, while a few snow-bound destinations will be thrown open after clearance.
Pertinently, the government had closed down 50 tourist destinations temporarily across J&K following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead, as a precautionary measure.
“After a thorough security review and discussion, I’ve ordered reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures,” a tweet from the LG’s office said.
In the Kashmir Division, the reopened destinations include Yusmarg, Doodhpathri, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora, Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier, Hung Park in Ganderbal and Wullar/Watlab in Baramulla.
In the Jammu Division, Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar have also been reopened.
The LG office stated that three sites in the Kashmir Division—Gurez, Athwatoo and Bangus—and one site in the Jammu Division—Ramkund in Ramban—will be reopened once snow is cleared.
Since then, the reopening has taken place in phases. Around two months after the attack, in June 2025, the first set of tourist spots was reopened following security assessments. “Another group of destinations resumed operations around September 2025 after further review. With today’s decision, nearly ten months after the attack, 14 additional destinations stand reopened.”
Tourism stakeholders welcomed LG Sinha’s decision to reopen the tourist spots and termed the latest move a major boost for the sector and a strong confidence-building measure ahead of the upcoming tourist season.
Tourism players said the decision has come at a crucial time as Kashmir prepares for the spring season, when tourist arrivals typically start picking up. “We are thankful to LG Sinha for giving a boost to tourism sector at an appropriate time,” they said.
“This decision has come at the right time. From March onwards, we see a steady rise in tourist arrivals. The reopening of key destinations will help us restore advance bookings and reassure travel agents across the country,” said Tawkeer, a tour operator in Srinagar.
Similarly, those associated with the tourism trade in Doodhpathri and other areas expressed special gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha for reopening 11 more tourist destinations in Kashmir, particularly Doodhpathri and Yusmarg.
“We are sincerely thankful to the LG administration for reopening Doodhpathri. Hundreds of families here depend directly on tourism, from pony owners and food stall operators to guides and transporters. This decision has restored hope among us,” said a local resident from Doodhpathri.
Another resident from Dubjan in Shopian told KNO the temporary closure had badly affected livelihoods. “Most families here are directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. From tea stall vendors to taxi drivers and guides, everyone suffered losses. This decision has brought much-needed relief and renewed optimism among the people,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident.
Hoteliers in Yusmarg described the move as timely and reassuring, saying bookings had slowed after the precautionary closure but are expected to improve now.
Tour operators in Srinagar said reopening major destinations across Budgam, Shopian, Ganderbal and Baramulla would send a positive message nationwide about stability and improved security conditions.
Hoteliers from Pahalgam and Gulmarg also hailed the move, stating that the overall perception of safety and normalcy across Kashmir benefits the entire tourism ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) welcomed the decision, terming it a major relief for the tourism and trade sectors that had suffered losses since the April 2025 terror attack.
President of KCC&I, Javid Tenga, said the Chamber had consistently urged the administration to reopen the closed tourist spots and thanked the LG for the decision. The Chamber stated that reviving tourism is critical for employment generation, revenue creation and sustaining local businesses.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that the upcoming tourist season could mark a strong rebound for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism industry. (KNO)
