Tourism declines in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

In Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, rising tensions with India have negatively impacted tourism, with once-busy roads and picturesque scenic spots now seeing declined tourist traffic.

With heightened security concerns near the Line of Control, many tourists are halting their trips short, spending time at smaller viewpoints instead of going on to the main valley.

"If authorities knew the situation was tense, they should've stopped us at the first checkpoint. We could've turned back or gone elsewhere. We're disappointed but since we were already here, we decided to make the most of it," said Sabeeha Ibrahim, a tourist from Pakistan’s Lahore City.

It's an unexpected change that has upset both travelers and local businesses.

"We came with high hopes. The kids were excited. But people here are telling us not to go further. We weren't warned, and now we've wasted our time and money," said Ahmed Anwar, another tourist from Lahore. This region, once a magnet for tourists, is now quiet.

Ongoing tensions with India and recent security fears have led to cancellations, empty hotels, and growing uncertainty for those who rely on tourism to survive.

For hotel owners like Waseer Abbasi, who runs a ten-room guesthouse in Neelum Valley, this drop in footfall is devastating. What should be the peak season has become a dry spell.

"It's been a week without a single tourist. Thousands used to visit the valley, but now they're stopped at the entry point. My business has taken a serious hit," he said.

The sharp decline in tourism is also affecting shopkeepers, guides, and transporters who depend on this seasonal income. What was supposed to be a boost for the local economy is now becoming a burden.

"We've had to lay off our staff and send them home. All our rooms are vacant, not a single booking. Tourists just aren't being allowed in," said Abbasi.

Tourism declines in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

Tourism declines in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

Tourism declines in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

Tourism declines in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

A major cultural and tourism trade promotion event was held in Beijing on Wednesday, connecting Chinese creative industries with international partners.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized the event "The Finest Cultural Gifts from China," with a special session on "Connecting Cultures, Going Global. " The event attracted ambassadors and diplomats from 14 countries and regions, as well as senior officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

More than 30 organizations and companies showcased offerings ranging from creative cultural products and intangible heritage crafts to cultural and technological innovation and cross-border commerce.

The event provided a platform for live demonstrations, matchmaking, and negotiations, creating more opportunities for cultural and tourism enterprises aiming to expand internationally. It underscores the unique value and huge potential of Chinese cultural products and services in global trade.

"This event has been tremendously helpful for us in building our reputation, developing our brand, and expanding our customer base. It really supports our efforts in both bringing Chinese culture to the world and inviting global tourists to China," said Fu Yao, an exhibitor.

The "Finest Cultural Gifts from China" program brings together Chinese and international companies, traders, cross-border e-commerce, and media to build an effective trading platform for top-quality products and enterprises. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has held 18 editions in China and abroad, featuring topics from fashion and creative living to time-honored heritage brands, and has achieved strong results, according to its organizers.

Beijing hosts cultural tourism trade event to connect with global markets