Article on Tourism in J&K during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Since the revocation of Article 370 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector in the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) has endured severe setbacks, plunging into a state of economic decline.

The impact has been particularly devastating for thousands of individuals who relied on tourism for their livelihoods:

- Tour operators, houseboat owners, and hoteliers have suffered significant losses, with millions of crores lost due to the decline in tourist arrivals.

- Many tribal communities, who depended on tourism for their sustenance, are now struggling to feed their families as their traditional sources of income have vanished.

- Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and other ancillary businesses associated with tourism have also felt the brunt of the economic downturn, as the lack of tourists has led to reduced earnings and job losses.

- Small-scale businesses and traders reliant on the tourism industry have been forced to shut down or scale back operations, exacerbating the economic hardship in the region.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 lockdown has had far-reaching effects on the physical, psychological, economic, and social well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir UT. The restrictive measures have placed immense strain on individuals and communities, compounding the already dire economic situation.

Moreover, the limited 2G internet connectivity in the region has hampered the growth of online-based businesses, further stifling economic development opportunities.

As a result, the development of the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir UT has stagnated, with little progress made in revitalizing the industry.

Despite these challenges, there is hope that the darkness will soon dissipate, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir UT will emerge into a brighter future. With concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society, there is optimism that the tourism sector can be revitalized, providing much-needed employment opportunities and economic growth for the region.