Pahalgam terror attack affected the livelihood of over 2 million people, who depend on tourism

The terror attack in Kashmir has triggered widespread fear and cancellations among travellers. From Srinagar to Pahalgam, what was once a bustling tourist season has now turned into a series of no-shows and refund requests.

Occupancy rates have plummeted from 80% to under 20%, houseboats fully booked till June now sit empty, and operators across the board are staring at economic distress.

For locals—over 2 million of whom depend on tourism for survival—this is more than a temporary setback. It’s a direct hit on livelihoods, bank repayments, and hard-earned recovery.

While some travellers are rescheduling or shifting to alternative hill stations, others, like Kolkata’s Sucheta Mukherjee, have cancelled plans altogether, absorbing financial losses.

Experts remain hopeful that the disruption may pass in a few weeks, with some forecasting a 10–15% dip in hotel and airfare in the interim. But the sentiment on the ground remains grim.

“We built for a boom, not a bust,” said a concerned houseboat owner. The fear now isn’t just about security, but about what’s next for the region’s fragile but vital tourism engine.