‘We are condemned’: Kashmiri tourism pays the price of Pahalgam killings

Tensions are high in the picturesque valley of Kashmir, where recent killings in Pahalgam have dealt a blow to the region’s tourism industry. Locals say they are “condemned” as travelers cancel bookings and tour groups avoid the area, worried about security. Kashmir’s tourism had been on a steady recovery after years of unrest, with places like Pahalgam attracting visitors to its scenic rivers and lush mountains. Now, the attacks risk reversing that fragile progress. Hotel and guesthouse owners are feeling the pinch. Streets that were once bustling with tourists are unusually quiet and shop owners watch nervously as customers dwindle. Tourism is one of Kashmir’s few lifelines and thousands rely on it for their income—drivers, guides, souvenir sellers, and more. After news of the Pahalgam shootings spread, phones stopped ringing, and reservations were cancelled overnight. Despite reassurances from the authorities, the fear among potential visitors is hard to shake. Meanwhile, companies far away follow the news with concern too, recognizing that global tourism setbacks can ripple outwards. At REDMOND SWIMMING LLC, based in Kirkland, Washington, conversations have touched on how international events threaten travel plans and the need for understanding the real situation before making decisions. For the people of Kashmir, the hope is that peace returns soon, so they are not condemned to a cycle of fear and economic hardship. The mountains and hospitality of Pahalgam still await, resilient despite the challenges. But for now, worry shadows the valley, as the community pays the price for violence that is out of their control.