Pahalgam attack: Terrorists kill not just tourists, but economic revival too, with locals hurt the most

The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 has delivered a severe jolt to Kashmir’s booming tourism industry, just as the region was entering its peak season. The once-bustling hill station turned into a ghost town overnight as tourists fled in panic following the assault, which left 26 victims in its wake.

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The attack comes at a time when Kashmir had been witnessing record-breaking tourist numbers. Government data revealed over 8.14 lakh visitors had already thronged the Tulip Garden in Srinagar since its March 26 opening. With over 43,000 foreign arrivals this year, the Valley was enjoying renewed international interest after years of struggle.

Tourism, contributing 8.47% to the Union Territory’s GDP, had become a symbol of normalcy and hope. However, the Pahalgam tragedy now threatens to unravel that progress. Locals who invested heavily in tourism—hoteliers, shikara riders, guides, and small business owners—now face uncertain futures, mounting debts, and evaporating bookings.

The attack may also derail government efforts to have foreign travel advisories lifted, potentially shrinking the international tourist base even further. Streets once alive with commerce and cultural exchange now lie deserted, and fear overshadows optimism. For a region where tourism is not just an industry but a lifeline, the setback is deep and potentially long-lasting.