Fri Dec 05 18:30:28 UTC 2025: Summary:

A recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, followed by “Operation Sindhoor,” has significantly impacted foreign tourist arrivals in India during 2025. Government statistics show a decline compared to pre-pandemic and recent years. Kerala, already struggling post-pandemic, is particularly affected. Tourism officials cite the attack, military response, global conflicts like the Israel-Palestine conflict, and online visa processing issues as contributing factors. While Kerala anticipates around 6 lakh arrivals by October 1st, 2025 a hope is to recover with the peak tourist season arriving and due to the devaluation of Indian currency.

News Article:

Terrorism and Military Response Lead to Drop in Indian Tourism

Thiruvananthapuram, December 6, 2025 – India’s tourism sector is facing a setback after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent military operation, “Sindhoor,” impacted foreign tourist arrivals. According to government data released, only 69.80 lakh foreign tourists visited India up to October 2025, marking a decrease compared to recent years.

This decline represents the first downturn in tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. Numbers are noticeably lower compared to 76.81 lakh in 2024, 74.70 lakh in 2023, and 86.12 lakh in the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

Kerala, which has been working to revive its tourism industry after the pandemic, is expected to be significantly affected. While the state saw a 62% recovery in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, early estimates suggest only around 6 lakh arrivals by October 1st this year.

“We’ve seen a 30% drop in business following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor,” stated James Kodianthara, former chairperson of IATO Kerala chapter, highlighting the direct impact of recent events. He also pointed to escalating international conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestine situation, and problems with online visa processing, as additional factors deterring tourists.

The tourism industry is looking ahead to the peak season, which begins in late October and extends through March, hoping that a shift in the global atmosphere can help offset the current shortfall. The recent devaluation of the Indian currency is also anticipated to draw more foreign visitors.

However, the long-term effects of the security situation remain a concern for the industry as it strives to regain pre-pandemic levels of popularity.

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