Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has significantly impacted tourism in Kashmir, with a wave of cancellations from hotel bookings. However, despite the decline, some tourists are still arriving, albeit in smaller numbers.
The attack on April 22, , left 26 tourists dead and heightened security concerns in the region. It was carried out by terrorists targeting tourists in Pahalgam, a popular destination for domestic and international visitors, and has led to widespread fear of further violence.
A Tourism department official commented, “The attack has had an immediate impact, with many tourists canceling their bookings. We’re working closely with security forces to ensure that tourist areas remain safe and that visitors feel reassured about their safety.” He stressed that efforts are underway to restore confidence and keep the flow of tourism alive as much as possible.
A local hotel owner lamented, “We’ve had to cancel numerous bookings this week. Many tourists have opted for other destinations in light of the incident. Our business has taken a major hit, and we’re worried about the future of the season.” He also noted that the uncertainty surrounding the situation has made it challenging to plan ahead.
Despite the drop in arrivals, some tourists have decided to push forward with their travel plans. Rajesh Mehta, a tourist from Delhi who arrived in Pahalgam despite the recent attack, shared, “We understand the concerns, but we trust that the authorities are doing everything to protect us. Kashmir has always been a beautiful place, and we won’t let an attack deter us from enjoying it.”
Ayesha Khan, another tourist from Mumbai, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We were initially hesitant but chose to come after hearing that security has been heightened. Kashmir is a place we’ve always wanted to visit, and we won’t let this incident take away from that experience.”
However, the ongoing security concerns have left many tourism operators uncertain about the future. A local travel agent, Bilal Wani, expressed, “While some tourists are still visiting, the overall numbers have dropped drastically. The longer this uncertainty lingers, the more difficult it will be for businesses to recover, especially with the peak season ahead.”
The attack has highlighted the delicate balance between security concerns and tourism, leaving the region’s tourism industry in a state of flux.(DD)
