Thu Jan 01 16:04:45 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:
Kashmir Tourism Rebounds with Packed Hotels for New Year’s Eve
Srinagar, January 1, 2026 – Kashmir’s tourism industry is celebrating a strong start to 2026 after experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals for New Year’s Eve. The “golden triangle” of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg reported near-capacity hotel occupancy, marking a significant recovery after a challenging year.
According to official figures, Gulmarg and Sonmarg both recorded 100% hotel occupancy on December 31st. Pahalgam, with a larger capacity, reported 90% occupancy, with approximately 7,000 tourists visiting on New Year’s Eve.
The boost in tourism is particularly significant as it marks the first bustling tourist season since the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. Efforts to revitalize the industry included the launch of a winter festival on December 25th and musical evenings featuring popular Kashmiri artists, including Qazi Tauqeer of Indian Idol fame.
“Tourist footfall has increased significantly and is evident from the buzz in Pahalgam,” said Nasrool Hilal Jeri, CEO of the Pahalgam Development Authority.
While 2025 saw a drop to 1.047 million domestic tourists compared to 2.6 million in 2024, Syed Qamar Sajad, Director of Tourism, expressed optimism. “We are hopeful the current momentum will sustain and even pick up further. We urge tourists to plan a visit to Kashmir and take up adventurous sports like skiing in winters,” he said. The Tourism department is ending 2025 on a high note.
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