Thu Dec 25 21:26:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

Christmas celebrations in Kashmir on December 25, 2025, served as a major boost to the region’s tourism industry, which had suffered setbacks earlier in the year due to a terror attack and military tensions. Tourists flocked to Gulmarg and Pahalgam, with landmarks like the Saint Mary church drawing crowds. Hotel occupancy rates surged, and winter festivals were inaugurated. Efforts like the Christmas Kehwa Fest in Srinagar aimed to revive tourism, with local officials expressing optimism about the industry’s recovery and plans for future promotional events. A recent snowfall further enhanced the appeal of the region.

News Article:

Kashmir Sees Christmas Tourism Surge, Offering Hope for Recovery

Srinagar, December 26, 2025 – The snow-dusted valleys of Kashmir came alive this Christmas, providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the region’s struggling tourism industry. After a challenging year marred by a terror attack in Pahalgam and military tensions between India and Pakistan, celebrations on December 25th drew locals and domestic tourists alike, injecting fresh optimism into the local economy.

Gulmarg, in particular, experienced a significant influx of visitors, with the historic Saint Mary church serving as a focal point for Christmas festivities. “Gulmarg provides a perfect backdrop for Christmas celebrations. Snow, bells tolling and festivities all round,” said Naresh Kumar, a tourist from New Delhi

Hotel occupancy rates in Gulmarg jumped from around 20% to 70% on Christmas Eve, according to local hoteliers. Meanwhile, in Pahalgam, a six-year-old tourist, Maira Gupta, inaugurated the annual winter festival, captivating hearts and marking a symbolic step toward normalcy.

Srinagar also joined the celebrations with a Christmas Kehwa Fest on the Dal Lake, showcasing the region’s unique saffron-infused brew. “Our focus is the revival of tourism,” stated Baber Chowdhary, head of the J&K Hotel and Restaurant Association (JKHARA). “These initiatives will bring a big change for Kashmir tourism.”

The recent snowfall in the upper reaches of Kashmir has further bolstered the region’s appeal, with Joint Director of the Tourism Department, Waseem Raja, reporting a significant increase in tourist footfall.

“Kashmir has the tradition of joining the celebration of major festivals,” said Mr. Raja, adding that locals and tourists celebrated together. “We are hopeful of people getting together to celebrate New Year and Lohri,” Mr. Raja said.

Buoyed by the positive response, the tourism department is planning a series of promotional events, including roadshows across the country, to further boost winter and spring tourism in the coming months. The authorities hope to maintain the positive momentum and encourage a full recovery of the tourism sector in the region.

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