Introduction:
Tourism around the world is buzzing with major developments—from reopened sacred pilgrimages and new travel routes to growing concerns about over-tourism. Here’s a roundup of the most important travel and tourism news making headlines today
Tourists begin returning to Pahalgam days after attack: ‘Nothing to fear’
Foreign and domestic tourists strolled through Pahalgam, bringing a sense of normalcy and hope back to the region
Just days after the horrific Pahalgam terror attack shattered the calm of the scenic region of Jammu and Kashmir, a wave of optimism and resilience is once again sweeping through the union territory. Tourists — both Indian and international — are returning to Pahalgam.
A tourist from Kolkata, West Bengal, who is visiting Pahalgam, spoke to ANI about her trip and said, “Before I came here, I was scared, but now it feels great.”
Another tourist echoed the reassurance, saying, “It feels safe here, there is security too. We faced no problems so far. Some of the tourist spots are closed.”
There is nothing to fear; the hospitality is great. Everyone should come here. People are very nice here,” another tourist told ANI.
Another tourist from Bangalore, who came to Kashmir for a 10-day trip, said his family made the plan 3 months ago and didn’t cancel despite the recent events. “We have no problem, it’s absolutely safe,” he added.
Just a week ago, Pahalgam was reeling from a devastating terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives, causing a sharp drop in tourism — from 5,000 to 7,000 daily visitors to barely 50-100.
Earlier this week, foreign and domestic tourists strolled through the town, bringing a sense of normalcy and hope back to the region. Croatian and Serbian tourists were seen exploring the streets of Pahalgam.
Nearly 50 public parks and tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir have reportedly been shut as a precautionary measure in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
The closed spots include both well-known and emerging tourist spots such as Dooshpathri, Kokernag, Duksum, Sinthan Top, Acchabal, Bangus Valley, Margan Top, and Tosamaidan.
Source – Hindustan Times
Pahalgam Terror Attack Fallout: Tourism Curtailed In Jammu & Kashmir As Authorities Close Dozens Of Tourist Spots In Security Clampdown
An official circular outlines a district-wise shutdown, while select sites are guarded by CAPF, CRPF, and QRT teams. In Bandipora, Gurez Valley is closed at Sumbal, while Athwatoo and Wullar Vantage Park stay open with CRPF protection. Budgam’s Tousimaidan and Doodpathri are blocked, but Shopian’s Pir Ki Gali is operational with strong deployment.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday announced the shutdown of 54 tourist spots as part of a region-wide security clampdown. However, several major destinations remain open under tight security.
An official circular outlines a district-wise shutdown, while select sites are guarded by CAPF, CRPF, and QRT teams. In Bandipora, Gurez Valley is closed at Sumbal, while Athwatoo and Wullar Vantage Park stay open with CRPF protection. Budgam’s Tousimaidan and Doodpathri are blocked, but Shopian’s Pir Ki Gali is operational with strong deployment.
Baramulla’s Gulmarg functions under a six-point grid, while nearby sites like Habba Khatoon remain shut. In Srinagar, areas like Boulevard Road and Mughal Gardens are open with security, while Harwan resorts and Dachigam’s trout farm are closed. Kokernag Garden in Anantnag is active with tourist police, but Verinag remains shut. Sonamarg, Aharbal, and Thajwas Glacier are accessible with joint forces on patrol. A senior officer said the closures focus on areas prone to ambushes, balancing tourism with safety.
Authorities say measures are reviewed daily, and tourists are urged to check official updates before travel. The Army, meanwhile, on Tuesday, said that the Pakistan Army continued to initiate unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Akhnoor sectors.
During the night of 28-29 April 2025, the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control in areas opposite Kupwara and Baramulla districts, as well as the Akhnoor sector. The Indian Army responded in a measured and effective manner to the provocation,” the Army said.
Tuesday was the sixth day that the Pakistan Army has been continuously violating the ceasefire along the LoC. Wular and Gurez valleys are also off limits. According to reports, non-local tourists will not be allowed to visit the Gurez valley. Local residents said that their livelihood depends on Tourism.
“We did not have any government jobs, we earned our livelihood with tourism. If it declines, we will be affected.” Abdul Hamza, a local resident associated with the tourism industry who set up a hotel after the ceasefire agreement with hopes of peace, says locals now fear both loss of economy and livelihood if ceasefire violations continue. He also said that authorities have restricted movement for even national tourists. “From local guides, hoteliers to local drivers, 80% of people are associated with the tourism industry in Gurez.”
Source – Press Free Journal
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Maharashtra to form ‘Paryatan Mitra’ for safety of tourists, pilot from May 1
The Maharashtra government has announced the launch of a “Paryatan Mitra” force, prioritising the safety of tourists and boosting tourism in the state.
In a bid to enhance tourist safety and revive confidence in domestic travel, the Maharashtra Government has announced the formation of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (MTSF), also referred to as Tourism Mitra, under its recently unveiled Tourism Policy 2024.
The initiative was formalised through a government circular dated April 17, 2025, issued by the state’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. The new force is envisioned as a specialised unit that will not only ensure security for tourists but also disseminate information about Maharashtra’s cultural heritage and major tourist destinations.
The creation of the force is part of the state’s broader tourism roadmap, which aims to attract private investment worth Rs 1 lakh crore and create an estimated 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs by capitalising on Maharashtra’s natural and cultural assets.
As a pilot, the force will be deployed in Satara district during the upcoming Mahabaleshwar Mahotsav, which is scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025. Twenty-five trained personnel will be stationed under the supervision of the Satara District Police Superintendent, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation. The force will remain operational in the region from April 25 to August 31.
According to the directive, vehicles and logistical support will be made available, and senior officers will be assigned to oversee operations. Funding responsibilities will be shared between the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, and the Satara Police Superintendent, with the Tourism Development Corporation set to receive reimbursements for incurred expenses.
“The government has decided to form Maharashtra Tourism Security Force. The decision has been taken in view of increasing opportunities in the tourism sector, diversity with regards to geography and culture in the state and to give a secured tourist experience,” news agency PTI quoted Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shamburaj Desai as saying.
“They will also be posted for the security of the tourists. This will increase employment opportunities in the state. They will take training to give information as well as protection to the tourists,” Desai added.
A statewide rollout of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force is expected soon, pending further government orders issued under the directive of the Governor
Nagaland frames film policy for cinematic tourism
he Nagaland government has framed the Nagaland Film Policy 2024, aiming to develop the state into a vibrant hub for filmmaking and cinematic tourism.
The comprehensive policy is designed to foster the growth of the film industry in the state, nurture local talent, create employment opportunities, and promote Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage on national and international platforms.
The policy was notified in a notification on April 5, an official statement said on Monday.
The policy aligns its definition of films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and emphasises cinema’s role as a powerful medium for socio-political commentary and cultural revival.
The Nagaland Film Policy 2024 seeks to create a conducive ecosystem for filmmakers, develop filmmaking as an entrepreneurial profession, publicise the state’s cultural and historical heritage, promote cinematic tourism, and establish training and skill development initiatives.
It also aims to cultivate a film-friendly attitude through ease of business measures such as single-window clearances.
Additionally, to strengthen the industry’s infrastructure, the state will encourage the establishment of film and TV studios, post-production facilities, and miniplexes, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Efforts will also be made to set up film and television institutes, animation labs, and other media hubs. The policy also focuses on promoting Nagaland as a prime shooting destination, organising film festivals, and ensuring robust security for film productions. Measures for archiving local films and combating video piracy have also been outlined.
The policy aims to position Nagaland on the national and international cinematic map, showcasing its rich heritage and scenic beauty to the world.
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