BREAKING NEWS

02-09-2026     3 رجب 1440

Reviving Paradise

February 09, 2026 |

Tourism has long been the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, culture, and global identity. From snow-laden mountains to tranquil lakes and rich traditions, the region has always held unmatched appeal. Yet decades of conflict, followed by the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and periodic security concerns, dealt repeated blows to this vital sector. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has launched an all-out effort to revive tourism—an effort marked by persistence, innovation, and renewed confidence. Over the past few years, the department has undertaken an aggressive outreach strategy, organising roadshows across major Indian cities and even abroad. These roadshows are not mere promotional events; they are deliberate attempts to change perceptions, rebuild trust, and showcase Kashmir as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination. Tourism officials, hoteliers, travel operators, and local stakeholders have jointly participated, presenting a unified narrative of revival and resilience. A significant element of this strategy has been the involvement of Bollywood. Cinema has always shaped popular imagination, and Kashmir’s association with Hindi films once played a crucial role in boosting tourism. By encouraging film shootings, celebrity visits, and promotional campaigns featuring actors and filmmakers, the tourism department is tapping into nostalgia while creating fresh visual narratives. When audiences see familiar faces enjoying Dal Lake or shooting amid Gulmarg’s meadows, it sends a powerful message that normalcy and beauty have returned. Infrastructure development has complemented these promotional efforts. Improved road connectivity, upgraded airports, new tourism circuits, and better accommodation facilities reflect the administration’s intent to provide visitors with comfort and safety. Simultaneously, emphasis on niche tourism—such as adventure tourism, winter sports, religious tourism, film tourism, and eco-tourism—has diversified Kashmir’s offerings beyond traditional summer visits. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain. Tourism in Kashmir is highly sensitive to political developments and security perceptions. A single incident can undo months of hard-earned confidence. This makes the tourism department’s task particularly demanding, requiring continuous engagement, crisis management, and reassurance. The struggle, therefore, is not occasional but constant. What stands out is the determination to keep going despite setbacks. Instead of retreating, the department has expanded its outreach, including international travel marts and collaborations with global tour operators. This sustained effort reflects an understanding that tourism revival is not an event but a process.Ultimately, the revival of tourism in Kashmir is not just about visitor numbers or revenue. It is about restoring livelihoods, hope, and a sense of normalcy for thousands of families dependent on the sector. The roadshows, Bollywood collaborations, and global campaigns signal one clear message: Kashmir is open, Kashmir is striving, and Kashmir is determined to reclaim its place on the world’s tourism map.

BREAKING NEWS

VIDEO

Twitter

Facebook

Reviving Paradise

February 09, 2026 |

Tourism has long been the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, culture, and global identity. From snow-laden mountains to tranquil lakes and rich traditions, the region has always held unmatched appeal. Yet decades of conflict, followed by the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and periodic security concerns, dealt repeated blows to this vital sector. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has launched an all-out effort to revive tourism—an effort marked by persistence, innovation, and renewed confidence. Over the past few years, the department has undertaken an aggressive outreach strategy, organising roadshows across major Indian cities and even abroad. These roadshows are not mere promotional events; they are deliberate attempts to change perceptions, rebuild trust, and showcase Kashmir as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination. Tourism officials, hoteliers, travel operators, and local stakeholders have jointly participated, presenting a unified narrative of revival and resilience. A significant element of this strategy has been the involvement of Bollywood. Cinema has always shaped popular imagination, and Kashmir’s association with Hindi films once played a crucial role in boosting tourism. By encouraging film shootings, celebrity visits, and promotional campaigns featuring actors and filmmakers, the tourism department is tapping into nostalgia while creating fresh visual narratives. When audiences see familiar faces enjoying Dal Lake or shooting amid Gulmarg’s meadows, it sends a powerful message that normalcy and beauty have returned. Infrastructure development has complemented these promotional efforts. Improved road connectivity, upgraded airports, new tourism circuits, and better accommodation facilities reflect the administration’s intent to provide visitors with comfort and safety. Simultaneously, emphasis on niche tourism—such as adventure tourism, winter sports, religious tourism, film tourism, and eco-tourism—has diversified Kashmir’s offerings beyond traditional summer visits. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain. Tourism in Kashmir is highly sensitive to political developments and security perceptions. A single incident can undo months of hard-earned confidence. This makes the tourism department’s task particularly demanding, requiring continuous engagement, crisis management, and reassurance. The struggle, therefore, is not occasional but constant. What stands out is the determination to keep going despite setbacks. Instead of retreating, the department has expanded its outreach, including international travel marts and collaborations with global tour operators. This sustained effort reflects an understanding that tourism revival is not an event but a process.Ultimately, the revival of tourism in Kashmir is not just about visitor numbers or revenue. It is about restoring livelihoods, hope, and a sense of normalcy for thousands of families dependent on the sector. The roadshows, Bollywood collaborations, and global campaigns signal one clear message: Kashmir is open, Kashmir is striving, and Kashmir is determined to reclaim its place on the world’s tourism map.


  • Address: R.C 2 Quarters Press Enclave Near Pratap Park, Srinagar 190001.
  • Phone: 0194-2451076 , +91-941-940-0056 , +91-962-292-4716
  • Email: brighterkmr@gmail.com
Owner, Printer, Publisher, Editor: Farooq Ahmad Wani
Legal Advisor: M.J. Hubi
Printed at: Sangermal offset Printing Press Rangreth ( Budgam)
Published from: Gulshanabad Chraresharief Budgam
RNI No.: JKENG/2010/33802
Office No’s: 0194-2451076
Mobile No’s 9419400056, 9622924716 ,7006086442
Postal Regd No: SK/135/2010-2019
POST BOX NO: 1001
Administrative Office: R.C 2 Quarters Press Enclave Near Pratap Park ( Srinagar -190001)

© Copyright 2023 brighterkashmir.com All Rights Reserved. Quantum Technologies

Owner, Printer, Publisher, Editor: Farooq Ahmad Wani
Legal Advisor: M.J. Hubi
Printed at: Abid Enterprizes, Zainkote Srinagar
Published from: Gulshanabad Chraresharief Budgam
RNI No.: JKENG/2010/33802
Office No’s: 0194-2451076, 9622924716 , 9419400056
Postal Regd No: SK/135/2010-2019
Administrative Office: Abi Guzer Srinagar

© Copyright 2018 brighterkashmir.com All Rights Reserved.