We took a hit post-Pahalgam but tourism is flowing back: J&K CM Omar Abdullah assures safety to visitors

Striking an optimistic tone, Abdullah said, "We’re not here with a tale of doom and gloom, nor with a dark cloud hanging over us. People have a renewed sense of optimism and hope.

That hope is based on what we see on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir today and post-Pahalgam attack, tourism has begun to flow back,” he said.

Acknowledging travel concerns after the April 22 terror attack, Abdullah said, "Please rest assured that all possible steps are being taken to ensure a peaceful and secure Jammu and Kashmir. Don’t take my word for it—ask those who have already travelled to J&K and returned.

On the immediate impact on tourism, he admitted, “Of course, we took a hit. We went from full hotels to emptiness. We went from Dal Lake being full of shikaras to not a single shikara being visible."

Illustrating the dip and recovery in tourism, Omar stated, "Prior to the attack in Pahalgam, we had more than 50 flight arrivals a day from various parts of the country. That number dropped to 15. Today, it has crossed 25," adding that direct flights from Kolkata have been restored.

Facing a question on  the attackers' arrest, Abdullah said, “Our job at the moment is twofold: one, to track them down; and two, to ensure they don’t come anywhere near any civilian population areas, whether tourist or not.”

The J&K CM, however, declined to comment if the incident was an intelligence failure.

The Chief Minister said he had been personally engaging with tourists across destinations.

“I’ve been travelling to Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg—to sit down and talk to tourists, understand what their experience has been like, and what we can do to improve it,” he said.

Later in the day, Abdullah met West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee who urged the Centre to enhance security measures for tourists visiting J&K.

The J&K Chief Minister is currently seen to be on a nationwide outreach, meeting people and dignitaries to revive the flow of tourism to the Valley.