Tourism is coming back to Kashmir Valley with improving perceptions of the ground reality, post the floods last September. In fact, we can say things are normal for tourists, as facilities for them are back. Most of the hotels were reporting high occupancies last week, when TourismFirst was in Srinagar as guest of J&K Tourism, attending a travel mart that focussed on the sector, with products showcasing their readiness for the tourist season this summer.
Top of the line properties must inevitably be Vivanta by Taj and Lalit Grand in Srinagar, Hotel Khyber in Gulmarg and Pine and Peak in Pahalgam – the last being where Salman Khan was shooting at the same time. 3 star hotels are getting upgraded, as was Heevan Resort in Nishat area, which is tying up with Delhi based Fortune Hotels for management. Numerous chains are in advanced talks for management contracts. Flights are showing a heavy booking in the season and all augurs well for regular families, who were seen in large numbers, but also for corporates, especially for conference tourism. Of special interest would be the SKICC, a prestigious convention centre that too was showcased at the event – in fine condition and ready to host a thousand delegates. The adjoining Centaur Lake View hotel is in need of repairs, a grim reminder of past times when tourism was sorely missing from the valley – the state authorities are in talks with the centre for transferring the property, and then hand it over to a major brand to run it.
