Kashmir tourism arrivals rebound 357% after Pahalgam disruption, still below pre-attack demand
Kashmir recorded 807,008 tourist arrivals from May to July 2026, up 357% year on year and driven almost entirely by domestic visitors. The recovery supports hospitality, food and local retail footfall, but hotel operators say demand has yet to return to pre-attack levels after a weak start to the year.
What happened
Kashmir tourism sector · Kashmir tourist arrivals rose 357% year-on-year to 807,008 in May-July 2026, led by domestic visitors, after the Pahalgam attack
Key facts
- 8,07,008 tourists in May-July 2026
- 1,76,751 tourists in May-July 2025
- 357% year-on-year increase in May-July arrivals
- 8,02,871 domestic tourists in May-July 2026
- 4,137 foreign tourists in May-July 2026
- 4,37,737 tourists in January-April 2026
- 6,55,080 tourists in January-April 2025
- 33.2% decline in January-April 2026 versus 2025
Why this matters
Kashmir offers a selectively attractive opportunity for asset-light hotel, foodservice and travel partnerships targeting domestic visitors, but any expansion should account for recovery volatility and the gap to pre-attack demand.