Immediately after the April 22 attack, tourists vacated the area, and there were mass cancellations of bookings. Hotels across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, including Pahalgam in south Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir, and Gulmarg in north Kashmir, are currently witnessing near-zero occupancy.“Our effort will be to steadily start tourism revival in J&K, especially in the Valley,” Omar said, adding, “Whatever steps need to be taken, the J&K government will take them.”“We will need support from the central government, and I hope we will get the support from the Centre,” he said.The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government would provide a conducive atmosphere for tourists to return and expressed hope that visitors would slowly and steadily begin returning to Kashmir.He stated that discussions were ongoing between the state and central governments regarding the revival of tourism in the Valley.“You cannot revive tourism without instilling confidence among the tourists. You cannot revive tourism without giving travellers a feel that they are safe and secure,” he said.“Three governments – J&K’s elected government, J&K’s unelected government and the Central government – will have to work for the revival of tourism in J&K,” he added.Omar also said that of the 48 tourist places closed to tourists and locals after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, some should be reopened after their security audits have been completed.Forty-eight tourist destinations were closed in the Valley following the April 22 attack to undergo security audits.
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