Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Pahalgam reopens to tourists after terror attack

AAHOA expressed solidarity with the victims and their families

Protesters light candles at a vigil in Srinagar, holding banners reading 'Kahchow Binagar' and 'Stop Innocent Killing,' mourning the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack

India's Pahalgam town in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is gradually returning to normal seven days after a terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, with the valley now reopened to domestic and international visitors. Kashmiri traders held a candlelight vigil to denounce the gunmen attack. Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images

Photo credit: Getty Images

Pahalgam 2025: Terror Attack Disrupts Kashmir’s Tourism Boom

INDIA’S PAHALGAM TOWN in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is gradually returning to normal seven days after a terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. However, the Jammu and Kashmir government will shut down about 50 tourist spots and trekking trails in the Valley over security concerns, even as tourism remains a key revenue source for the state.

A group of terrorists emerged from the dense forests around the Baisaran meadows in the upper reaches of Pahalgam, a picturesque Himalayan town in the city of Anantnag often called the "Switzerland of India," and opened fire on tourists at the site, according to the BBC.


U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the incident, stating that America stands with India against terrorism.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all," Trump said.

U.S. vice president J.D. Vance, accompanied by Indian-origin Second Lady Usha Chilukuri and their three children — sons Ewan and Vivek, and daughter Mirabel — were on a four-day visit to India starting April 21, when the attack took place.

In a post on X, Vance, who was then in Rajasthan, expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

"Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India,” he wrote. “Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack."

AAHOA also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

“We abhor all acts of violence, and this particular tragedy is especially heartbreaking for our community of hoteliers,” the association said. “The attack occurred in a region known for its natural beauty and tourism, impacting not only the lives of innocent travelers but also hoteliers, hospitality workers, and local businesses who rely on tourism for their livelihoods. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this heinous act. We send our deepest condolences to the victims' families and loved ones, and we hope for healing for those injured and traumatized.”

The Jammu and Kashmir government has shut 48 of the region’s 87 tourist destinations and boosted security at the rest, Reuters reported, citing a government document.

Tourism impacted, but not stopped

Tourism remains one of Kashmir’s major economic drivers, with signs of faster growth this year. The industry supports thousands of people across the region, with more than 4,000 hotels reported in the state. In the first three months of 2025, more than half a million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, following approximately 2.95 million visitors in 2024, up from 2.71 million in 2023 and 2.67 million in 2022, according to media reports, citing official data.

Comparing the situation to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, domestic and international travel agents are likely to avoid Kashmir as a holiday destination in 2025, unless there are signs of a truce between India and Pakistan, as in 2019, MoneyControl reported.

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir sharply declined in 2019 following the Pulwama attack and the abrogation of Article 370. According to the Ministry of Tourism, average monthly tourist arrivals dropped to around 7,000–8,000 in 2019, down from about 30,000 in 2018. A similar drop in 2025 is expected if military tensions persist. The Kashmir Hotel Association reported 80 percent cancellations of tourist bookings after the Pahalgam attack.

Visitors from Kolkata and Bengaluru told India Today they remain confident about the region’s safety and are proceeding with their travel plans, including visits to Pahalgam.

"Kashmir is safe now, everything is open, tourists are safe, everyone is coming, so please do come if you have plans," a tourist from Kolkata, standing beside a packed van, was quoted as saying in the report.

Mohammad Anas, a tourist from Surat, Gujarat, told ANI that business in Pahalgam is continuing as usual.

"There is nothing to worry about," he said. "The Army, government, and locals are with us and ensuring our safety. We were scared after the incident and wanted to leave immediately, but the locals and Army motivated us to continue our trip."

Foreign nationals also did not feel fearful or uncomfortable after the attack, with frequent visitors noting that hospitality remained unchanged.

"We have been here for 3–4 days and feel very safe," said a woman from Croatia, according to India Today. "Your country is beautiful, and we have had no problems. Kashmir is beautiful and safe. People are very kind. We heard about the incident a day before arriving but came anyway. We are feeling safe."

Another tourist from Croatia said incidents like the one in Pahalgam can happen anywhere.

"I felt wonderful here," he told ANI. "I made so many friends. People are very welcoming. It's not easy to hear about something like that, but I didn't feel any fear or discomfort. It's not something that happens regularly; it happens occasionally and everywhere. There is no completely safe place in the world."

Here is afull list of shuttered tourist destinations in Kashmir.

India is known for its "Atithi Devo Bhava" philosophy, meaning "The guest is God," but a Canadian man, when asked to choose between India and Pakistan for better hospitality, chose Pakistan without hesitation.

More for you

Rahul Raj appointed as head of LuLu Group India's hospitality division
Photo credit: DMC Finder

Raj is head of hospitality, LuLu Group India

Rahul Raj to Head LuLu Group India’s Hospitality Operations

Rahul Raj is the new head of LuLu Group India’s hospitality vertical. In this role, he will oversee the group’s hospitality ventures across India, guiding operational strategy, brand development and guest experience initiatives.

Prior to this, he was general manager at Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, a LuLu-owned property, since its opening, the company said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
OYO Adds 3,500+ Corporate Clients in FY25
Photo credit: OYO

OYO adds 3,500+ corporate clients in FY25

OYO, THE INDIAN technology firm led by CEO Ritesh Agarwal, added more than 3,500 new corporate clients in the 2024–25 fiscal year, marking a 20 percent year-over-year increase in its corporate portfolio. The company now has a network of more than 6,500 corporate clients across India.

Top additions include SBI Life, Cult Fit and Sun TV Direct, further expanding OYO’s reach among large enterprises and organizations, the company said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Minimalist to add 20 properties in India
Photo credit: Minimalist Hotels

Minimalist to add 20 properties in India

MINIMALIST HOTELS, A hotel and dorm management firm operated by Swashbuckler Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, plans to add 20 properties across India over the next two years. The lifestyle hotel brand, led by CEO Gautam Munjal, aims to raise $2.4 million to support expansion in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa and the National Capital Region.

The company, founded in 2017, operates boutique properties under management contracts or operational leases.

Keep ReadingShow less
OYO defers third IPO attempt
Photo credit: OYO

Bloomberg: OYO defers third IPO attempt

OYO, THE INDIAN travel technology firm, is delaying its third IPO attempt amid opposition from its largest shareholder, SoftBank, and market volatility, according to Bloomberg News. The company now plans to list by March 2026 at a valuation of $7 billion.

SoftBank does not support OYO’s plan to list in October and has urged the company to delay its offering until its earnings improve, Bloomberg News reported.

Keep ReadingShow less