After eight months of low tourist activity, Kashmir saw a major boost on New Year's Eve. The tourism “golden triangle” of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg reported 90 to 100 percent hotel occupancy. Official data showed Gulmarg’s 2,300 beds were fully booked on December 31. Sonmarg’s 2,580 hotel beds also reached 100% occupancy. Pahalgam, with nearly 10,000 beds, had around 90% occupancy. About 5,000 tourists arrived in Pahalgam on December 31, with the number rising to 7,000 later. Local Kashmiri artists and singers, including Indian Idol star Qazi Tauqeer, entertained visitors with musical evenings across the three destinations. Nasrool Hilal Jeri, CEO of Pahalgam Development Authority, said, “There was a good response to the winter festival that started on December 25. Tourist footfall has increased significantly and is evident from the buzz in Pahalgam.” This vibrant season is Kashmir’s first since the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April last year, which killed 26 tourists. The tourism department now hopes the positive momentum will keep up. Director of Tourism Syed Qamar Sajad said, “We are hopeful the current momentum will sustain and even pick up further. We urge tourists to plan a visit to Kashmir and take up adventurous sports like skiing in winters.” Though 2025 saw 10.47 lakh domestic tourists compared to 26 lakh in 2024, the New Year’s surge brings fresh optimism for the region’s tourism industry.