World Applied Sciences Journal 31 (6): 1160-1167, 2014 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.31.06.4 Corresponding Author: Shamim Ahmad Shah, Department of Geography and Regional Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar,190006. 1160 Impact of Conflict on Tourist Flow and Spatial Distribution of Tourists in Kashmir Valley Shamim Ahmad Shah and Muzafar AhmadWani Department of Geography and Regional Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India Research Scholar, Department of Geography and Regional Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar190006, India Abstract: Conflict and instability in Jammu and Kashmir have been a major hindrance to its development and progress levels. Tourism is identified as the engine of growth and Development of Jammu and Kashmir economy in general and Kashmir valley in particular. The development of tourist industry can have a significant impact on the overall growth of the state, because of its ability to create direct and indirect employment, as well as growth in allied industries. Tourism will likely contribute to the growth of secondary sectors such as handicrafts, which have historically benefitted from visitors to the state. As tourism is widely recognized as a major mechanism of employment generation, especially in the service sector, holds significant role forpoverty alleviationand unemploymentin thestate.Kashmir being animportant tourist destination in India has witnessed downfall because of theongoing unrest especially during the last two decades which has hindered the smooth growth oftourism industry. The valley of Kashmir has been engulfed in a violent situation since 1989, which has threatened the sustainability of tourism industry. The political instability in turn has greatly altered the direction, flow, patternand volume of tourists to the destination. The present paper investigates the temporal changes in the flow pattern of tourists to the valley and also analyses thetourist nodes of thestate which have witnessed phenomenal increase in tourist arrivals during turmoil period. Key words: Kashmir Valley Instability Destination Tourist Arrivals Tourism INTRODUCTION to external shocks such as natural disasters, political Perceptions of political instability and safety are a appealing to tourists if they are insecure or likely to prerequisite for tourist visitation. Violent protests, social experience serious conflict [5] war, political unrest, unrest, civil war, terrorist actions, the perceived violations terrorism, violations of human rights or heavy crime – of humanrights, or even the mere threat of these activities regardless of the abundance of scenic or cultural can all serve to cause tourists to alter theirtravel behavior attractions [6-8]. [1]. Tourism has emerged as one of the chief industries in Political instability related with tourism can have very the world economy over the last Decade. Its total negative effects on tourism destinations which will contribution comprised 9% of global GDP (US $6.6 trillion) decline the number of tourists who visit the destinations and generated over 260 million jobs, 1 in 11 i.e. 10% of and also will bring suffering to the tourism industry. new job creation in the world’s total job market. Tourism The effects from political instability such as armed industry showed faster growth than other notable attacks, civil wars, bombings, attacks on tourists, wars, industries such as manufacturing, financial services and change in government, threat of war with another country, retail [2]. Tourism is one of the more sensitive industries, which will deter or obstruct the image of the destination vulnerable to perceived political instability, lack of safety through media reporting and government policies and and other uncertainties [3]. Tourism is highly susceptible even word of mouth reporting [9]. instability and terrorism [4]. Destinations are less