In the early 1990s, there was a significant increase in insurgency and violent acts in Kashmir, resulting in a pervasive sense of fear and instability. During this era, there was a significant decrease in the number of tourists visiting the Valley. Travel warnings issued by many nations cautioned against visiting Kashmir, resulting in a significant decline in both local and foreign travelers.
During the mid to late 1990s, there was a continuation of violent incidents such as assaults on visitors, which further damaged the region’s image as a secure and desirable place to visit.
The decline in the tourism industry had significant economic consequences for all sections of Kashmir society.
The decline in the tourism industry had significant economic consequences for all sections of Kashmir society. Local businesses, hoteliers, and tour operators are the dominant and visible stakeholders. The tourism ecosystem is sustained by thousands of other smaller players who play a vital role in the complete value chain. Hence the entire Kashmir suffered.
Intermittent attempts to establish peace, coupled with temporary reductions in violence after 2000 resulted in short-lived improvements in tourism. But they were frequently interrupted by renewed conflict. The number of tourists varied, with occasional surges during periods of relative tranquility, but significant declines after any instances of violence.
Between 2010 and 2019, there was a progressive rise in visitor numbers, especially among domestic tourists due to initiatives aimed at enhancing security and infrastructure, particularly during periods of stability.
KASHMIR TOURISM WAS VULNERABLE TO SUDDEN DECLINES
Notable events such as the 2016 turmoil that occurred after the death of militant leader Burhan Wani and the 2019 Pulwama attack caused a rapid and substantial decrease in tourism. Despite some recovery, the tourism industry remained vulnerable to sudden declines due to ongoing instability. The frequent imposition of curfews and restrictions also deterred potential visitors.
The main factor discouraging tourists was the perception of safety. Even in times of relative tranquility, the fear of sudden violence kept many tourists away. The decline in tourism had a significant economic impact on Kashmir, leading to adverse effects on people’s livelihoods and contributing to economic stagnation in the region.
VOLATILITY HUGELY IMPACTED TOURIST ARRIVALS
Efforts to revive tourism have included the promotion of Kashmir as a secure and attractive destination, improving infrastructure, and orchestrating cultural events. However, these efforts have often been undermined by the resurgence of violence.
From 1990 until 2019, tourist business in Kashmir was significantly affected by insurgency and the accompanying bloodshed. Although there have been intermittent moments of improvement, the general pattern has been characterized by substantial volatility, which is strongly influenced by the region’s security conditions. The persistent task at hand is to guarantee enduring tranquility and steadiness to sustain a tourism sector that is dependable and robust.
POST INSURGENCY, THERE WAS 99% FALL IN TOURIST ARRIVALS IN KASHMIR
Until 1989, before the start of insurgency, foreign and Indian visitors flocked to the valley. In 1987, according to a government survey, Kashmir welcomed 700,000 tourists. Three years later, as violence gripped Kashmir, the number fell to just 6,000.
As the security scenario worsened in Kashmir, the tourists – both local and foreign – shifted their attention towards other tourist destinations like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This gave a serious setback to tourism and the tourist industry in Kashmir.
After 1989, there was a drastic decrease in the number of tourists visiting Kashmir. From 55,79,77 tourists in 1989, the number fell to a mere 10722 in 1990 – a whopping drop of 98 per cent. The steep fall in numbers continued. 1993 saw just 6282 tourists in Kashmir. This was as astounding fall of 99 per cent in the tourists coming to Kashmir when compared to the 1989 figure.
