After an eight-month long lull, New Year’s eve saw a surge in tourist numbers in Kashmir and the tourism “golden triangle” of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg logged in a record of 90-100% hotel occupancy.
Official figures of the Tourism department suggested that Gulmarg with 2,300 beds in hotels and huts was sold out on December 31 with 100% occupancy. Sonamarg, with 2,580 beds, also recorded 100% occupancy.
“Pahalgam with around 10,000 beds also saw 90% hotel occupancy. At least 5,000 tourists arrived in Pahalgam on December 31. Later, Pahalgam hosted around 7,000 tourists,” a senior government official told The Hindu.
Top local artists and singers from Kashmir, including Indian Idol icon Qazi Tauqeer, performed at the musical evenings held for tourists in all these destinations.
“There was a good response to the winter festival that started on December 25. Tourist footfall has increased significantly and is evident from the buzz in Pahalgam,” said Nasrool Hilal Jeri, Chief Executive Officer, Pahalgam Development Authority.
