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Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kol's outbound flyer count back to near normal after Pahalgam dip
1 2 Kolkata: Following a three-week decline in passenger numbers at Kolkata airport after the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident and India's Operation Sindoor response , there are now positive indicators. Daily departing passenger numbers from Kolkata airport, which had decreased to 23,000 from 28,000, are now showing a steady improvement, with Sunday recording over 27,500 departures — a 20% increase over last week. This improvement follows the ceasefire agreement, relaxed airspace restrictions, and reopening of northern Indian airports affected by the border tensions. Airport authorities are optimistic that the difficult period has passed. "We experienced a significant reduction in passenger numbers following the Pahalgam incident and subsequent military action against Pakistani militants. Recent days show positive trends in bookings and attendance, indicating renewed traveller confidence," a Kolkata airport official said. TOI reported on Monday that tour operators who experienced significant cancellations and reduced Kashmir-bound travel, are orchestrating a recovery. The Travel Agents' Association of India (TAAI), alongside 100 Kolkata-based agencies, initiated the "Chalo Kashmir" initiative last week to restore interest in the Valley, promoting it as a secure summer destination. "Tourism has been a harbinger of peace. By encouraging people to travel to J&K, we are supporting livelihoods and reinforcing a message of resilience, unity, and hope," TAAI chairman (East) Anjani Dhanuka said. Tourist interest is increasing. With summer holidays on and airspace restrictions lifted, both families and individual travellers are considering vacation plans. Souvik Mukherjee, a technology professional from Behala, departed for Leh on Sunday. "We planned this trip months ago. Yes, there were initial concerns and I almost decided to cancel. But then I discussed it with my group of friends, with whom I will be starting from Delhi, and we decided to hold on to our bookings. Now, we believe the situation is stabilising and the recent developments have given us the confidence to go ahead," said Mukherjee. TOI data had indicated a steady decline in outbound passengers since the Pahalgam incident. On April 21, before the Pahalgam attack, 28,164 passengers flew out. Two days later, departures dipped to around 26,000. By May 10, numbers decreased to 23,009. Post ceasefire, numbers improved steadily. Saturday recorded 26,754 departures and Sunday saw 27,555 domestic passengers leaving. Travel industry reports increased enquiries and reservations. "Just two weeks ago, we had to process multiple cancellations daily. Now, we're seeing a spike in fresh bookings and more tourists flying out. I am certain the number will cross 30,000 per day by next week," said Anil Punjabi, national committee member of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Chalo Kashmir': Kol travel cos unite in ‘aptest response' to terror
Kolkata: Around 100 travel companies in Kolkata have come together to support an initiative that aims to revive J&K's tourism. The ' Chalo Kashmir ' initiative — spearheaded by Travel Agents' Association of India (TAAI) — aims to put forward a bold statement against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, considered by many as an attempt to hit the Valley's economy. Encouraging tourists to return would effectively counter terrorism, feel industry leaders. The initiative has already been seeing positive response from tourists. These Kolkata travel agencies collectively manage about 4 lakh domestic tourists annually, with 40,000 visiting J&K. Following last month's terror attack, J&K has seen a 90%-95% decline in tourism earnings, with Srinagar's Dal Lake alone reporting an 80% reduction in tourist activity. "As a leader and custodian of India's tourism sector, TAAI stands committed to supporting the people and the economy of J&K, where tourism is the primary source of livelihood. The need of the hour is to reignite tourism in the Valley, which remains one of the most iconic and culturally rich destinations in India," said Anjani Dhanuka, TAAI chairman (East). Dhanuka went on to say: "While recent disturbances may have created concerns, they cannot overshadow the timeless allure of Kashmir. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tukarkan Bitcoin dan Ethereum - Tanpa Dompet Diperlukan! IC Markets MULAI SEKARANG Undo An incident aimed to cause chaos and disturbance cannot steal away the glory of the region. Tourism has long been a harbinger of peace. By encouraging people to travel to J&K, we are not only supporting livelihoods but also reinforcing a message of resilience, unity, and hope." TAAI, the oldest and largest travel association in the country, has activated its network to reach out to potential tourists through engagement and social media campaigns. Its members have also contacted J&K CM Omar Abdullah, seeking enhanced security measures for visitors. J&K typically welcomes 2.5 crore tourists annually — split equally between pilgrims and leisure travellers. Of this, Bengal contributes approximately 30 lakh tourists, most of them on leisure trips. TAAI national executive committee member Manav Soni said that encouraging tourist return would effectively counter the Pahalgam carnage. "India, a beacon of secularism and one of the world's fastest-growing economies, must stand united when a region's tourism potential is threatened. As an industry leader, TAAI cannot stay silent," said Soni. Some tourists have already decided to respond. "I understand terrorism impacts local livelihood and local economy the most. I cancelled my 10-day trip to Kashmir in the last week of April following the terror attack. If I can manage leaves, I would love to go for the trip," said Salt Lake resident Madhura Bagchi. "Hotels that were once fully booked now are vacant. Tourists are suddenly afraid of locals in Kashmir... We just want the situation to ease at the earliest," said Dinesh Bhatter, a Kashmir travel specialist.
News18
24-04-2025
- News18
'Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai': Bengal Operators Cancel Kashmir Tours As Pahalgam Attack Spooks Tourists
Most tourists currently in Kashmir are cutting their trips short and returning home, while those who had plans in the coming months are cancelling their reservations Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to 26 tourists losing their lives, has delivered a significant blow to Kashmir's tourism industry. In the aftermath of the tragedy, several tour operators from West Bengal have started cancelling their planned trips to the region. Kundu Travels, one of the most prominent travel agencies in Bengal, was scheduled to take a group of 43 tourists to Kashmir this Thursday. The tour has now been cancelled. Another upcoming tour has also seen several cancellations from participants. Speaking to News18, Soumitra Kundu, one of the owners of Kundu Travels, said: 'It's not possible to take tourists right now. We fear we may have to cancel our May 1 tour as well. The situation needs to normalise. People are panicked. This attack is clearly targeted at tourism. In the last four years, the number of tourists visiting Kashmir has almost tripled—they wanted to attack that growth." Bengalis, a community known for its love for travel, were one of the biggest contributors to Kashmir's tourism industry and had visited the scenic spots in droves. Anjani Dhanuka, chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), eastern region, and owner of Aircom Travel, told News18: 'People have started cancelling their Kashmir travel plans. Everyone is saying, 'Jaan hai to jahan hai'—life comes first. Tourism had really flourished in the past four years. This is an attack on that progress." Most tourists currently in Kashmir are cutting their trips short and returning home. Sources say the state government is in touch with travel agencies and tour operators. Experts say the incident has severely impacted the mindset of travellers and rebuilding confidence will take time. First Published: April 24, 2025, 09:07 IST
