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Time of India
27-04-2025
- Time of India
Remaining group of Goans stranded in Kashmir make it back home safely
Panaji: The last group of Goans who were stranded in Srinagar after the Pahalgam terror strike in Kashmir returned home safely to their families on Sunday. Close to 60 Goans, who went for their summer holidays to Kashmir, found themselves caught in the mayhem following the bloodshed that shook the nation. Around 40 of the Goans landed on Saturday, grateful to be reunited with their loved ones after a harrowing holiday. 'The final batch of 10 clients of ours reached Goa on Sunday. They had even done sightseeing in Kashmir. The important thing to say is that everything is normal in other parts there,' said Ahraz Mulla, the managing director of GAC Holidays. Daxal Naik, the owner of Travel Bug Tours and Travels, took to social media to express his relief at the safe return of all the Goans who travelled as part of a package tour offered by his company. 'Our group of 26 travellers who recently went to Kashmir have returned home safely. In light of the recent incidents, we want to assure everyone that all necessary precautions were taken throughout the journey,' Naik said. He added that all upcoming Kashmir tours have been cancelled for the safety of travellers. State govt was monitoring the status of all those stranded in Srinagar, with chief secretary V Candavelou coordinating their safe return home. State govt has also reached out to the district administration in Srinagar, seeking assistance and support, if required, for the safety and protection of the Goans.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
After attack, travel operators in Goa cancel Kashmir tours
Panaji: At least two Goan travel operators that organise group tours to Kashmir have cancelled all trips following the dastardly terror attack at Pahalgam. GAC Holidays and Travel Bug Tours and Travels stated that they temporarily ceased offering trips to the picturesque valley, and initiated refunds for the bookings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They said they would await Centre's announcement on whether tourism activities can resume. 'We have cancelled all our tours until govt tells us it is safe to travel. May is the peak travel period for Kashmir, as it is the best time to travel, and this will cause a huge loss for us. However, more than the loss, our clients' lives and safety are more important,' said Daxal Naik, the owner of Travel Bug. Ahraz Mulla, managing director, GAC, said that a similar decision was taken by his travel company. 'One group, which was to travel in the coming days, backed out. The airlines refunded the full flight fare because the travel date is before April 30. However, there is another group going on May 6, and the airlines are not offering a refund,' said Mulla. 'As of now, all trips until April 30 are cancelled, and we will see what govt says.' May is generally considered the peak season in Kashmir, especially for tourism. It's a time when the weather is pleasant, the landscape is lush with blooming flowers, and travel options improve as winter fades. Many families plan their holidays to Kashmir to escape the sweltering summer in Goa and to coincide with the summer school holidays. Naik, who has organised tours to Kashmir since 2013, said he was shocked to hear that terrorists targeted tourists. 'I organise around 40-50 tours to Kashmir every year. This is the first time that terrorists attacked tourists... the attacks were usually on the Army and in Uri and other locations. Tourists have been targeted this time,' said Naik.
