Gulmarg Tourism Suffers, 40% Hotel Booking Cancellations Reported :
Gulmarg, a renowned ski resort, is facing a setback as the tourist destination, like other parts of the valley, experiences an unprecedented dry spell. The absence of snow, a vital component for winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling, is impacting the livelihoods of local stakeholders.
Aqib Chaya, President of the Hotelier Association, expressed deep concern, saying approximately 40 percent of bookings have been cancelled. “The situation has created a dire scenario for local hoteliers. The bookings have been even for the upcoming months of February and March,” he said.
“The economic repercussions are not confined to businesses alone but are affecting the livelihoods of those directly involved in the tourism sector,” Aqib said, adding, “There is a ripple effect across the entire tourism ecosystem. The current situation in Gulmarg is worrisome. The lack of snow has significantly reduced the number of visiting tourists, impacting both revenue and the operational capacity of hotels adjusting to accommodate reduced guest numbers.”
Skiers, who flock to Gulmarg for its iconic skiing experience, express apprehensions about the impact on their winter wonderland.
As per government data, Gulmarg welcomed an astounding 1.65 million tourists throughout 2023, surpassing the previous year’s mark of 15.4 lakhs. The current dry spell has underscored the importance of sustainable measures to mitigate the impact on the region’s vital tourism industry.
