Srinagar, Dec. 23 -- : The season's first major snowfall has prompted excitement of tourists to visit Kashmir's tourist places and reignited the hope of tourism revival in the Valley, after major setbacks owing to the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the Delhi blast. There was widespread light snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir including the prominent tourist places like the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, the picturesque Sonamarg in central Kashmir and Pahalgam in north Kashmir. Sajad Kralyari, secretary general of travel agents association of Kashmir (TAAK), said that the snowfall has increased the excitement among the prospective visitors. "Tourism is picking up fast this month. We already had some bookings for the upcoming New Year and Christmas eve. But the snowfall has triggered more queries as the travellers are also excited. Snowfall is proving a good omen," he said. He said that there have been some small groups of tourists who have expressed their visit to revisit experiencing snowfall. "Many tourists who had put their plans on hold owing to dry weather conditions have now put their packages in motion," he said. A group of tourists visiting Gulmarg from Delhi were mesmerised by the snowfall in the Himalayan region. Tourism players and officials say that the snowfall in Kashmir, which coincided with the start of harshest winter period-Chillai Kalan- has rekindled hope of tourism revival after around one and a half month of dry weather. "It is truly heartwarming to witness Chillai Kalan returning to its natural calendar bringing with it the priceless gift of snowfall. Our majestic mountains are once again draped in a shimmering silver carpet, welcoming guests from across the country with nature's unmatched beauty," said member of legislative assembly,Gulmarg, Farooq Shah. "What more could we ask for than such a divine blessing, snowfall that rejuvenates our land, strengthens winter tourism, and rekindles hope in the hearts of our people,"said Shah, who has also served as director tourism before joining politics. Most of the tourists visiting the valley in winter mostly rush to Gulmarg. "Gulmarg - the Winter Tourism Capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is all set to welcome visitors with open arms. From adventure seekers and skiing enthusiasts to snow bike rides and sledge lovers, Gulmarg promises unforgettable winter experiences for all," Shah said. Kashmir tourism's recovery had been slow this year after the Pahalgam attack in which 25 tourists and a local resident were killed by terrorists in Baisaran valley of Pahalgam on April 22. Many, including CM Omar Abdullah, had pinned their hopes on weather to attract more tourists following the snow activity in the Valley in early October....