Tourism industry stands united against terror, loss of life & livelihood in Kashmir
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Kolkata: Various industry bodies in the travel trade sector in Kolkata joined hands to condemn Tuesday's terrorist attack in Kashmir. They marched in central Kolkata to express support for the families of over two dozen tourists who lost their lives, as well as the thousands involved in the tourism industry in Kashmir who lost their livelihood.
On Thursday evening, various organisations representing travel agents, tour operators, and tourism and hotel and restaurant associations held a candlelight march. "We are standing up to and staying united against terrorism. It is also a show of solidarity that we will not stop business in Kashmir. We want to send the message that the barbaric attack will not drive fear into us. We will continue to support tourism in Kashmir," said Travel Agents Association of India national committee member Manav Soni.
With the peak tourist season being wiped out in Kashmir following lakhs of cancellations, travel agents in Kolkata decided not to pressurise their counterparts in Kashmir to refund the booking amount. They are asking them to hold it in a credit note for use when the situation improves. For now, the agents are offering alternative tours of equivalent value to clients.
Anil Punjabi, a national committee member of Travel Agents' Federation of India, said while there was an outpouring of anger against the attack, the tourism industry stakeholders in Kolkata were conscious that the bullets robbed Kashmiris of their livelihood. "We want the govt to outline measures to safeguard tourists and help the industry there," said Punjabi.
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Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India president Sudesh Poddar said: "Foreign tourists unaware of the geopolitics of the region will avoid India."
Kashmir's business and travel trade bodies observed a complete shutdown in the Valley on Wednesday. Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, all major travel associations, transporters, restaurant owners, and civil society groups participated in the protest and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.
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