The much-anticipated winter tourism season in Pakistan's popular northern hill stations has been dealt a severe blow due to unusually low snowfall. Key destinations like Murree and Galyat, which typically bustle with activity during the December-January holidays, are witnessing a starkly different scene this year.
A Barren Landscape Deters Visitors
Instead of the usual thick, white blanket of snow that transforms the region into a winter wonderland, the hills of Murree and its surrounding areas, including Nathia Gali, Ayubia, and Thandiani, present a mostly brown and green landscape. This significant lack of snowfall has directly led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. Hotel owners and managers report occupancy rates as low as 20-30%, a dramatic drop from the near 100% bookings they experience during a normal snowy season.
The absence of snow has caused a wave of cancellations, with tourists who had booked in advance opting to stay home. "The phone just isn't ringing like it used to," shared a hotel manager from Murree, highlighting the quiet despair in the hospitality sector. Local businesses that thrive on tourist spending, including restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and vendors of winter gear, are facing equally tough times, with many reporting minimal sales.
Economic Ripple Effects on Local Livelihoods
The impact extends beyond hoteliers. The low tourist turnout has created a crisis for daily wage earners and seasonal workers who depend on the winter rush. Taxi drivers, pony ride operators, and snow play equipment vendors find themselves with little to no income. For many families in the region, the winter holidays represent a crucial period to earn enough to sustain themselves for months, and this season's conditions have jeopardized that economic safety net.
Travel agents in major cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad confirm the trend, noting a significant reduction in inquiries and bookings for trips to these hill stations. The general sentiment among potential visitors is that without snow, the core attraction and experience are missing, making the journey and expense unjustified.
Climate Concerns and a Look Ahead
While weather patterns are inherently variable, the notably low snowfall this season has sparked conversations about longer-term climatic shifts. Residents and business owners express concern over whether such seasons might become more frequent, posing a permanent threat to the region's tourism-based economy. The situation underscores the vulnerability of communities whose livelihoods are intricately tied to specific environmental conditions.
As the peak winter weeks pass, stakeholders in Murree and Galyat are left hoping for unexpected late-season snow to salvage what remains of the season. However, the broader lesson points towards a potential need for diversifying tourist attractions and promoting the hill stations as year-round destinations, rather than relying solely on the winter snow magic.
