Pahalgam terror attack: Govt asks tourism stakeholders to refund booking amount to tourists

Srinagar, Apr 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has directed all tourism stakeholders including hoteliers, houseboat owners, and travel agents to provide necessary assistance to tourists and waive cancellation fees due to the prevailing circumstances.
An official told Rising Kashmir that all stakeholders have been asked to refund booking amounts to tourists and affected parties without any deductions.
“All tourist trade operators including hoteliers, guest house owners, homestay owners, houseboat owners, travel agents, excursion agents etc. are requested to waive cancellation charges and refund any booking amount to tourists in view of the present situation,” reads the official communication.
The official said that communiqué was addressed to various associations including the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA), Jammu and Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (JKHARA), Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK), among others.
He also said that the directive refers to a circular already issued by the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, which urged all stakeholders to act in a tourist-friendly manner during the current circumstances.
“In this connection, I am directed to request you to kindly offer necessary assistance, waive cancellation fees and refund the booking amounts to the tourists/affected stakeholders,” the communiqué issued by the Deputy Director (E&S) with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir reads.
The official further said that the Director of Tourism, Kashmir, has also been asked to ensure wide circulation of the instructions among stakeholders.