Srinagar, Feb. 20 -- A prolonged dry spell has dealt a killer blow to the tourism sector in Kashmir.

Tourist footfalls have dipped by around 50 percent. Booking cancellations are also on the rise.

Aqib Chaya, a prominent hotelier and President of the Hoteliers Club Gulmarg, said the severe shortage of snowfall this season has affected business across the valley.

Chaya said that the postponement of the 2025 Khelo India Winter Games has further dented the tourism sector, leading to substantial cancellations.

He added that beyond the Khelo India event, the lack of snow has resulted in a 20-30% decline in business in Gulmarg and a 50% dip in other destinations like Pahalgam and Srinagar. "The industry, which usually thrives on winter tour...