Tourist arrivals at Central Kashmir’s picturesque destinations of Doodhpathri and Yousmarg have witnessed a significant increase with the onset of the summer season, providing a boost to the local tourism industry and livelihoods dependent on it.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Doodhpathri and Yousmarg Development Authorities, Riyaz Ahmad Beigh, said the two tourist destinations are currently witnessing a heavy inflow of visitors following the reopening for tourists and local visitors.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Beigh said that more than 7,000 tourists are visiting the two destinations every day.
“During April and May, Doodhpathri was receiving around 2,000 tourists daily. However, with the peak summer season underway, the tourist footfall has increased considerably upto 5,000 ,” he said.
He said Yousmarg alone is witnessing a daily footfall of over 2,000 visitors, adding that the growing influx of tourists reflects the increasing popularity of the destinations.
“The rise in tourist arrivals is a positive sign for the tourism sector. We expect the footfall to increase further in the coming days,” Beigh said.
The CEO said the authorities have directed all stakeholders, including service providers, to ensure quality services to tourists at government-approved rates.
“We have instructed all those providing various services to tourists to strictly adhere to the government-notified rates so that visitors are not overcharged and receive satisfactory services,” he said.
Highlighting the economic benefits of tourism, Beigh said the increasing tourist inflow has created employment opportunities for local youth and strengthened the livelihoods of hundreds of families associated with the sector.
“Thousands of people earn their livelihood directly and indirectly from tourism in Doodhpathri and Yousmarg. The growing tourist footfall is proving beneficial for the local economy,” he added.
