Tourism decline in Kashmir reflects broader political and economic instability post-attack
Original framing: “The Kashmir town trying to win back tourists after a deadly attack” — BBC News - World
Tourism in Kashmir has historically been shaped by colonial and post-colonial power dynamics. The British introduced hill stations as retreats, and post-independence, Indian and Pakistani governments have used tourism as a tool for soft power and economic control, often at the expense of local autonomy.
The decline in tourism in Kashmir is not merely a result of a single attack but is deeply rooted in historical patterns of political marginalization, economic dependency, and environmental vulnerability.
Indigenous knowledge systems and cross-cultural models from other post-conflict regions offer valuable insights for rebuilding tourism in a sustainable and inclusive manner. By integrating scientific planning, community leadership, and cultural preservation, Kashmir can transition from a crisis-driven narrative to one of resilience and self-determination. This requires not only investment in infrastructure and training but also a shift in global media and policy narratives that have long framed Kashmir as a site of perpetual conflict rather than potential.