Pahalgam (J&K), Dec 27 (NationPress) Despite the recent violent terrorist incident, tourists have remained steadfast in their desire to visit the stunning town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, with a steady stream of visitors arriving on Saturday to welcome the New Year.

As the year comes to an end, those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life are returning to this beloved hill destination. This surge in visitors occurs only months after the tragic event on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and dealt a severe blow to tourism in the region.

Many visitors expressed their enthusiasm and relief over the enhanced security measures in place.

A tourist from Hisar, Haryana, shared her thoughts with IANS: "This is my first trip to Kashmir with my husband, and I find it absolutely breathtaking. The security arrangements are top-notch, allowing us to feel safe as we ring in the New Year here."

Another traveler from Haryana echoed these feelings, stating, "I came here to celebrate the New Year and will leave with beautiful memories. The weather, surroundings, and overall experience are fantastic."

A group of college students has also gathered in the area to mark the occasion.

"Things have significantly improved. I previously visited Srinagar and am currently enjoying my time in Pahalgam. Although we haven't seen any snowfall thus far, we are optimistic it will arrive in the next few days. There are 16 of us, and the locals have been incredibly helpful. We've encountered no issues so far," one student commented.

Following the April 22 attack, authorities temporarily closed several tourist resorts and attractions in and around Pahalgam due to safety concerns. The incident caused widespread panic, leading thousands of tourists to flee Kashmir and resulting in numerous cancellations during the critical summer season.

The tourism industry, a vital component of the local economy, experienced significant fallout. Hotels, restaurants, taxi services, and handicraft vendors reported substantial losses, forcing many businesses to shut down temporarily. The abrupt decline in tourist activity also led to job losses and financial strain for countless families reliant on tourism.

In response, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with the Central government, has implemented measures to rejuvenate tourism. These initiatives include the gradual reopening of tourist sites, increased security, and efforts to restore visitor confidence.

The current influx of tourists ahead of the New Year celebrations is seen as a promising indication of the slow recovery of tourism in Pahalgam and the broader Kashmir Valley.