In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the tourism sector — once considered the backbone of the Valley’s economy — is facing a severe crisis, with hotels half-empty, transporters idle, and thousands of livelihoods at risk particularly after India’s misadventure against Pakistan in May 2025.
The tourism slump has deepened due to prolonged militarization, political uncertainty, and India’s failure to restore a sense of security in the territory under Modi’s warmongering Hindutva regime. Hoteliers report occupancy rates down by more than 70 percent, while shikara operators, taxi drivers, handicraft sellers, and restaurant owners continue to struggle for survival. Several tourism-related businesses have reportedly turned into non-performing assets due to the financial crisis.
Key stakeholders have now come together under the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and Allied Business Forum (JKTABF), led by prominent hotelier and Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Chaya. The forum aims to coordinate revival efforts and highlight the plight of the tourism industry before authorities.
