Kashmir Gears Up for Record Winter Tourist Boom, Says Tourism Secretary

Jammu & Kashmir’s tourism scene is gearing up for a “grand winter,” declared Secretary Tourism & Culture, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah. Popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are already booked solid for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, hinting at a vibrant season ahead.

However, Shah’s vision extends beyond the bustling hotspots. He emphasizes promoting “offbeat destinations” this winter, aiming to spread the tourism boom’s benefits and create “dignified livelihoods” for local communities. This focus on diversification suggests a long-term strategy for sustainable tourism growth in J&K.