‘Hope minutes of terror have not wiped out 2 yrs' rebuilding efforts'

Time of India

26-04-2025

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Kolkata: The travel trade industry in Kolkata is grappling with massive cancellations following Tuesday's terror attack at Baisaran Valley in Kashmir, potentially undoing two years of rebuilding efforts. Reports from Kashmir indicate over 90% of summer bookings were cancelled between Wednesday and Friday.
Indian Association of Tour Operators Bengal chapter Chairman Debjit Dutta noted that domestic tourist numbers grew significantly from 1.8 crore in 2002 to 2 crore in 2023. "It took years to build tourist confidence in Kashmir. After the revocation of special status and peaceful elections, tourism flourished, creating thousands of jobs. As protests and violence decreased, tourist confidence soared. Many Southeast Asian tourist groups were planning visits. But all that may now be lost," Dutta said.
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While Kashmir has faced various challenges, including insurgency in the mid-1990s, the Kargil War, protests in the 2000s, and the Pulwama attack, Travel Agents Federation of India Chairman (East) Bilolaksa Das fears this targeted killing of tourists based on religious identity may have dealt the severest blow to tourism.
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Pradyumna Majumdar, who travelled with his family before the attack, observed significant improvements since his 2005 visit. "Tourism infrastructure improved; services were better. The people have always been friendly, and it felt much safer than two decades ago. That's why the incident was particularly shocking," he said.
Md Mudassir, a hotel manager in the valley, said, "This is the first time terrorists targeted tourists. We hope tourism recovers. We're looking to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra starting July 3 from Pahalgam for business revival."
Travel Agents' Association of India Chairman (East) Anjani Dhanuka reported that hotels in Pahalgam were cleared out on administrative orders. "The place that was thriving until Tuesday evening now resembles a ghost town. Only Srinagar hotels are full as people wait to leave Kashmir. Once the exodus ends, they too will face closure due to lack of business," he said.
Shah Rouhi, a Srinagar travel agency owner, said, "We've always treated tourists as family members. I'm not charging stranded tourists for extra stays and have provided free transport to Srinagar. Though 30-40% arrivals continue, with around 9,600 people visiting the Gulmarg ropeway in the past two days and good attendance at the tulip festival."