Tourism in Kashmir faces a severe downturn following a deadly terrorist attack that killed 26 tourists, sparking heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, hotels and houseboats in Indian Kashmir are offering discounts of up to 70% due to massive booking cancellations. Similarly, in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, tourist hotspots like Neelum Valley have been closed amid fears of an Indian military strike, leaving approximately 370 hotels and guesthouses vacant. The tourism industry, a crucial livelihood for thousands in the region, had seen a revival in recent years with more than 3 million tourists visiting Indian Kashmir and 1.5 million visiting Pakistani Kashmir last year. This resurgence followed a period of reduced militancy and a four-year ceasefire. However, the latest hostilities threaten to reverse these gains. Local business owners on both sides, like houseboat operator Yaseen Tuman and checkpoint vendor Musaddiq Hussain, report a devastating economic impact and call for peace between the two nations. Despite fears, some domestic tourists remain undeterred, believing certain areas are still safe to visit. Nonetheless, the tourism sector anticipates a prolonged slump amid rising geopolitical tensions. (PC: Reuters)