Sonamarg Set to Shine: Snow skating coaching course arranged for New Year thrills
Srinagar: The enchanting valley of Kashmir is poised for an extraordinary tourism upswing as an unprecedented number of visitors are converging to usher in the New Year. The allure of snowfall has led to a complete sellout of hotels at sought-after destinations, transforming Kashmir into a winter wonderland.
Tourists are gravitating towards Kashmir, with a particular focus on the iconic ski haven of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and the picturesque Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag. The optimism is palpable, as Tourism Secretary Syed Abid Rasheed Shah expressed his confidence in the winter months becoming a resounding success for Kashmir’s tourism industry.
Shah said “Destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are already sold out. Gulmarg is completely booked for New Year’s Eve. This is a very positive indication.” Renowned as the ‘Switzerland of Asia,’ Gulmarg, perched at an altitude of 8,000 feet, is witnessing an extraordinary surge in tourist footfall.
The hospitality of the locals, coupled with the concerted efforts of stakeholders, has played a pivotal role in resuscitating the tourism sector, according to Shah. The tourism department has meticulously curated a plethora of activities for New Year’s Eve, including a musical extravaganza, a dazzling firecracker display, night skiing, and torch skiing, ensuring an unforgettable experience for revelers.
Asif Burza, the dynamic managing director of Ahad Hotels and Resorts, highlighted the positive impact of recent snowfall on tourist influx, stating, “Hotels in Gulmarg are fully booked, while occupancy in Pahalgam and even in Srinagar is very good.” Expectations are high for a further surge with anticipated snowfall in the coming days.
Gulmarg, a globally acclaimed tourist destination, is gearing up for a triumphant winter tourist season, with the Gulmarg Development Authority and other stakeholders leaving no stone unturned in ensuring impeccable arrangements and top-notch facilities.
“The surge in tourist footfall not only breathes new life into the tourism sector but also opens avenues for rejuvenating other sectors directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. The valley’s business sector, which has weathered a slump in recent years, is now poised for a renaissance, thanks to the newfound vibrancy in Kashmir’s tourism landscape.”
In addition to the influx of visitors from various parts of the country, Kashmir has witnessed a substantial arrival of international tourists, solidifying its status as a favored global tourist destination.
The unprecedented surge in tourist numbers not only marks a significant boost to the thriving tourism sector but also opens avenues for fresh opportunities across various industries, directly or indirectly linked to the robust tourism infrastructure.
The record-breaking footfall not only showcases the enduring appeal of Kashmir but also serves as a catalyst for broader economic growth and diversification in the region.
A senior officer at Tourism Department said over 15 lakh tourists have graced the enchanting precincts of Gulmarg in the first eleven months of this year, underscoring the irresistible allure of the region.
He said a diverse array of visitors included 9,750 foreigners, an approximate 300,000 local tourists, and a whopping 10 lakh domestic tourists. The revelation not only underscores the global appeal of Gulmarg but also highlights the substantial contribution of local and domestic tourists to the region’s vibrant tourism tapestry.
The surge in tourist arrivals in the Kashmir valley in 2023 is viewed as a watershed moment for the region’s economic stability. International tourists, in addition to visitors from across the country, are contributing to the transformation of Kashmir into a favored tourist haven. In the first five months of the year, more than 18,000 foreign tourists visited Kashmir, marking the highest number in three decades and reinvigorating its status as a global tourist hotspot.
Stakeholders attribute this remarkable increase to the successful hosting of the G20 Summit in Srinagar in May, acting as a catalyst for drawing foreign tourists to Kashmir.
The tourism sector, which annually generates around Rs. 8,000 crores and contributes nearly 7% to J&K UT’s GDP, is now being hailed as a linchpin for economic growth and a plethora of business opportunities in the valley.
Moreover, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) Ganderbal, is gearing up to launch an invigorating Snow Skating Coaching Course amidst the captivating beauty of Sonamarg.
This 15-day coaching program promises an exhilarating experience as seasoned coaches from the Tourism Department share their expertise with an eager group of students. Sonamarg, renowned for its mesmerizing landscapes, is set to witness the thrill of snow skating, enhancing the array of winter activities available at this picturesque destination.
Enthusiastic participants, eager to refine their skills, are preparing for upcoming Snow Skating events that will add an extra layer of excitement to the New Year celebrations at Sonamarg. Beyond providing a platform for learning and skill development, this initiative aims to cultivate a spirit of adventure among the youth, contributing to their holistic growth and engagement in winter sports. The surge in tourist footfall not only breathes new life into the tourism sector but also opens avenues for rejuvenating other sectors directly or indirectly dependent on tourism. The valley’s business sector, which has weathered a slump in recent years, is now poised for a renaissance, thanks to the newfound vibrancy in Kashmir’s tourism landscape.
