Kashmir Defies Tourism Slump Amid Covid, 1 Lakh Visitors Since December

Officials at the tourism department said more than 1 lakh tourists have arrived in the Valley since December, when the daily Covid surge in Kashmir crossed 1,200.

Thousands of tourists are flocking to Kashmir Valley as the second wave of Covid - the world's biggest surge - is sweeping through the country. On Srinagar's Dal Lake, shikaras have come alive and footfall at the tulip garden is increasing by the day. Most tourists say that with international travel being out of the question, Kashmir seems the best possible place. Officials at the tourism department said more than 1 lakh tourists have arrived in the Valley since December, when the daily Covid surge in Kashmir crossed 1,200. The Valley recorded 1,269 cases on Tuesday. "We found an opportunity and thought we should invite people here. We have seen Covid management is very well in Jammu and Kashmir and that's how it picked up December onwards," said Dr GN Itoo, the director of tourism Kashmir. "Let me inform you that so far, 1.13 lakh tourists have visited," he added.