Impact of Conflict Environment on Tourism Industry of Kashmir

Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic development throughout the globe. Kashmir which is popularly known as 'paradise' on earth throughout the world has been a place of attraction for tourists since centuries. Because of its natural beauty and cultural heritage it attracts tourists from every corner of the world. Bubbling streams, snow covered mountains, pleasant climate, cool water, ever green forests, lush green meadows and lilly laden lakes are unparallel and unmatchable throughout the world. However, the geo-political status of Kashmir has become one of its greatest handicaps. Kashmir which witnessed the birth of turmoil in 1989 too witnessed its consequences in different spheres of life. Tourism sector which is considered as economic bonanza of Kashmir has suffered badly and this is a sector that has unquestionably been the worst casualty of this continued political instability and social turbulence. Besides this, it affected not only tourism but also indirectly the socio-economic activities related to tourism. The present paper aims to examine and investigate that how tourism sector of Kashmir declines since the onset of political turmoil and disturbance and unfortunately that could not come out of the shocks through half-hearted efforts were made by the political dispensation. More emphasis has been laid on combining and comparing the ups and downs of both the issues of turmoil and tourism in Kashmir. The present study is based on secondary sources of data which has been collected from various organisations in order to gain fruitful results.