The Pahalgam terror attack effect on Kashmir tourism is now palpable. Only days after militants fired on South Kashmir’s most popular meadow, killing a minimum of 28 individuals, a new LocalCircles survey indicates a spine-chilling consequence. Approximately 62% of Indian families who have advance bookings to Kashmir have cancelled their trip plans.
The backlash not just jeopardizes the Valley’s flourishing tourism economy but also undermines public faith in the security of the region. With more than 2.3 crore travelers already visiting Kashmir in 2025, the impact of this one attack bites deep—and may reverberate throughout the balance of the year, including the Amarnath Yatra.
Fear Takes Over Footfall in Pahalgam
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam turned everything around overnight. The April 22 strike, linked to The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-sponsored organization, caused hit just before the peak tourist season. Based on the LocalCircles survey that received responses from more than 21,000 citizens from 361 districts, the emotional and economic loss is no myth.
The poll discovered that 62% of families with bookings between May and December have cancelled their Kashmir vacations. Airlines have received over 15,000 cancellation or rescheduling requests for Srinagar. The travel freeze isn’t limited to vacations—now religious pilgrimages are also under threat, including the important Amarnath Yatra.
Despite the security shock, 38% of the people surveyed still intend to proceed with their trip. Yet, 33% claim that their decision would solely depend on how the government tackles the security issue over the next couple of weeks. Only 29% have the confidence to visit Kashmir in the next three years.
Economic Fallout Could Be Severe
Tour operators in India are raising the alarm. The Valley in Pahalgam had been looking forward to another record year. But this accident might change the situation. If cancellations keep coming, hotels, airlines, taxi drivers, houseboat owners, and guides might face heavy financial losses. Political leaders are also worried about this.
J&K MLA Sajad Lone warned that the attackers deliberately targeted the region’s economic progress. He accused them of trying to “economically disempower” Kashmir by scaring away visitors and halting economic recovery.
PM Narendra Modi responded quickly and forcefully. “These terrorists and those who hatched the conspiracy for this attack will receive a punishment larger than they can ever think,” he stated. He further said that the determination of 140 crore Indians would “break the back of the masters of terror.”
Can Confidence Be Restored in Time?
The larger question now is whether the government can rebuild public confidence. A quick and visible turnaround in security might stem the cancellations. Without that, fear can become long-term economic harm.
The Valley’s reputation as a secure tourist destination hangs by a thread. Quick government action—not words alone—will determine if Kashmir’s flourishing tourism weather this shock.
