Film-makers keep off restive Kashmir

The unrest in Kashmir has not only hit the tourism sector hard, but has also forced film-makers to change their plans.

An official spokesman said Bollywood star Salman Khan, who was scheduled to shoot his new film in Kashmir, was reported to have changed the destination to Ladakh.

“The number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, has also witnessed a steep decline with most of the advance bookings being cancelled,” he said. Tourism destinations and hotels, both in the private and government sectors, are the worst affected and most of the hotels are empty, he added.

“From August 1-12, a total of 10,059 tourists visited Kashmir as against 89,243 tourists during the same period last year,” he said. Many private hotels have also proposed job cuts, which may affect employment.

Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said most of the properties in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yousmarg and other destinations had 2-4% occupancy presently, as against the normal 90-100%.

Accommodations of the tourism department and tourism development authorities, too, are facing a shortfall of 90-95% compared to last year. In view of this, JKTDC has announced 50% discount in all its accommodations across the Valley.

However, tourist footfall at other destinations in the state, especially Ladakh, has seen a constant rise, with foreign tourists arriving for a host of activities and stays.

A number of movie shoots are also being held in Ladakh this season. Against 35,978 tourists in July last year, 47,647 visited Leh in July 2016, which included 10,657 foreigners.