No immediate bookings possible, tourists confirming bookings almost a month in advance, say owners
Srinagar: Kashmir’s tourism sector is witnessing a boom amidst the soaring temperature in Jammu and Kashmir as all the houseboats in the Dal Lake and adjacent areas are jam-packed.
Tourists could be seen enjoying around the Dal Lake and adjacent areas here almost every day, which indicates the rise in the footfall of the tourists here.
Wali Mohammad,Shikara Association President while talking to KNO stated that the footfall of tourists have increased in the Valley, but there are hopes of further rise in the tourist arrival in the coming days. “The rush will increase as the people outside are busy with the elections and are going to arrive here soon.” he said.
Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, President of Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association, stated that it is the peak season for tourism as there are vacations in outside states and people use to visit Kashmir during this period especially, which started from May.
“We have a good rush of tourists in our houseboats and we are hopeful that it will go up further,” Pakhtoon said.
Gowhar Ahmad, a houseboat owner also shared details with KNO and stated that all the houseboats at present are jam-packed. “Those who have to book houseboats need to confirm it before a month as all the houseboats are packed this time,” he said.
Pertinently, Jammu & Kashmir, particularly Valley has been witnessing rise in the tourist footfall for the last couple of years with the government stating that the record-breaking footfall is expected this year as well.
