Red Fort blast effect: J&K tourism takes second hit amid security scare

The fragile tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir, already struggling after the devastating Pahalgam attack earlier this year, has suffered yet another severe blow following the Delhi Red Fort blast on November 10, reportedly linked to youth from Kashmir. The attack, carried out by a suicide car bomber that killed 12 people and injured many, has renewed security fears among tourists and halted the slight recovery the industry had begun experiencing in October following early snowfall.

According to Sajad Kralyari, Secretary General of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), tourist turnout has dropped drastically, with hotel occupancy falling to as low as 2% to 5%. He said tourist confidence was already shaken after the Pahalgam tragedy on April 22, which killed 26 people and prompted the government to shut over 50 tourist destinations temporarily. Even as 28 locations were gradually reopened, the Red Fort incident and the accidental Nowgam police station blast on November 14 worsened public fear.

Tourism had briefly revived in September-October due to festival holidays and winter travel interest, but the new security scare has left stakeholders uncertain. Kashmir had seen record numbers in recent years, with 34.98 lakh visitors in 2024, a steady rise from 2023 and 2022. Before the Pahalgam attack this year, footfall had already crossed 6 lakh, but since then numbers have reduced drastically.

Despite the slump, officials hope the coming winter season and Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg will bring revival. J&K Tourism is currently promoting the region at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa 2025, showcasing cinematic and tourism potential.

Tour operators say inquiries are beginning again, mostly from southern India, and hope that early snowfall could revive bookings in December. For now, however, the tourism economy remains under immense pressure, awaiting signs of recovery.