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Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kashmiri hoteliers want PM Modi to appeal tourists to visit Valley
PM Modi (File photo) SRINAGAR: With the tourism sector in Kashmir hit hard by the Pahalgam terror attack, hoteliers and other stakeholders have sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , and also plan to reach out to policymakers and influencers. Tourists had cancelled their bookings in Kashmir in large numbers following the massacre of 26 people at Pahalgam's Baisaran valley on April 22. Mushtaq Chaya, chairman of J&K Hoteliers Club, on Monday said in Srinagar that PM Modi's voice is most important to bring life again to the tourism sector in Kashmir Valley. He said tourist associations will seek an appointment with the PM, and will request him to appeal to the countrymen to visit the Valley. He also welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a wise decision. Expressing hope of resumption of flights to Srinagar soon, he said this will ensure tourism flow. He made a fervent appeal to tourists from across the country to visit Kashmir, saying the situation has now stabilised and they should experience the beauty and hospitality of the Valley once again. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How Smart Traders Use Data to Navigate Volatile Markets News Portal Try Now Undo Chaya further said that hoteliers in J&K will be inviting prominent YouTubers, influencers, writers and policy makers across the country, and will ask them to post their views and reviews. He said social media influencers have played a positive role, and will be given special facilities to project Kashmir. The hoteliers will also meet J&K LG Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah, and will urge them to announce special packages for tourists and take steps to restore their confidence, Chaya said. On a travel advisory issued by the US on May 7, asking its citizens to avoid visiting J&K, Chaya asserted that domestic tourists were 'more than enough'. Kashmir had seen a huge surge in tourism last year, with nearly 35 lakh people visiting the UT, including 5.11 lakh Amarnath pilgrims. The relative peace in the past few years has seen huge investment in the tourism economy, especially in the construction of guest houses and hotels, with locals in even remote areas converting their homes into home stays and tourist facilities. Chaya said 30 lakh Kashmiris are at present involved directly in the tourism sector, and 3 lakh of them are directly working in hotels and other tourism related businesses. He said the hotels have not removed any employee, and are hopeful that tourists will return to Kashmir.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Tourism stakeholders criticise Kashmir's decision to close 48 tourist spots for security audit
SRINAGAR: The recent decision to temporarily close for security audit following the has drawn sharp criticism from tourism stakeholders, who fear it will tarnish the Valley's image and deter potential travellers. 'The decision to close 48 tourist destinations in Kashmir by the government is very unfortunate,' said prominent hotelier and J&K Hoteliers Club president Mushtaq Chaya. 'Closure of 48 tourist spots will send a very bad message outside and those tourists who were planning to visit Kashmir will now hesitate to travel to the Valley.' The government's move comes in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed The incident has triggered heightened security concerns and led to a comprehensive review of safety at tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir. Officials stated that the closures are temporary and aimed at ensuring the security of visitors. The 48 destinations fall across eight districts, Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Pulwama, and include picturesque but lesser-known spots such as Yousmarg, Tosamaidan, Doodpathri, Aharbal, Kousarnag, Bangus, Verinag Garden, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Naranag and Astanmarg Viewpoint. Some prominent locations closed in north Kashmir include Gurez, Bangus Valley, Baba Reshi and Kaman Post, areas that had only recently opened to tourists due to the improved security situation in the region. In Srinagar, the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, along with Badamwari, Rajouri Kadal, Aali Kadal, Faqir Gujri and parts of Dachigam National Park, are among the 15 places affected. In central Kashmir, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan and the rapidly emerging Doodpathri destination have been closed. In the south, tourist attractions like Aharbal, the Sun Temple in Kehribal, Verinag, Sinthan Top and Margan Top have also been affected. Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Secretary General Sajad Kralyari said the closures have created a negative atmosphere, resulting in a wave of cancellations. 'Closure of 48 tourist spots has added to the negativity and might lead to further cancellations,' he said. 'The officials have told us that after security clearance, these tourist spots will again be thrown open.' Despite the setbacks, Kralyari remained hopeful. 'Major tourist destinations including Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Dal Lake, Boulevard and Mughal Gardens are open. Ninety percent of tourists visit these places only,' he said. 'There have been about 80–90 percent cancellations. We are hopeful of revival of tourism again. We are receiving queries again.' He also credited the warm response of locals and celebrity actor Atul Kulkarni's recent visit for helping to restore confidence in Kashmir's safety. 'The hospitality displayed by the Kashmiri people after the Pahalgam terror attack and celebrity Atul Kulkarni's visit to Kashmir has sent a message outside that Kashmir is safe. We are hopeful that tourism will again pick up in the Valley,' he added. The Pahalgam attack has sparked massive outrage in the region. For the first time in over three decades of militancy, a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley against the killings of civilians. People also took out rallies and protests denouncing the violence.
