Travel operators, hoteliers expect massive season ahead
Upward trend result of consistent efforts of Tourism Dept: Dir
Ovaise Gul
Srinagar, May 12: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign travel amid the West Asia crisis, the Jammu and Kashmir tourism sector has witnessed an abrupt surge in bookings, indicating a massive season ahead.
As part of strengthening economic self-reliance and national security during the West Asia crisis, the Prime Minister made seven key appeals, including avoiding foreign travel for one year to conserve foreign exchange. Tourism stakeholders report an abrupt surge in bulk queries and bookings over the last several days.
Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon, Chairman of the All Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (AKHBOA), told Rising Kashmir that they have observed a surge of 30-40 per cent in bookings in the last few days. “As the number of bookings rises, we are experiencing a good season ahead,” he said.
Farooq Kuthoo, President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), echoed similar views, stating they have received bulk bookings. “After the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, we hope that he will not mention Kashmir, especially in his Mann Ki Baat programme, so that the Valley gets a special boost. We are witnessing good signs of improvement. The Government of India should further focus on Kashmir post-Pahalgam incident so that isolated incidents don’t discourage us anyway,” he said.
Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya, Chairman of the J&K Hoteliers Club, said the people of Kashmir are ready to welcome guests in bulk once again. “The people of Kashmir are known for their hospitality. We appeal to citizens across the country to come and visit the Valley in large numbers and give us a chance to serve them,” he said, adding that the situation is currently favourable for a fruitful season ahead.
Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajad, said the upward trend is the result of consistent efforts by the department and all stakeholders across the country. “The upward momentum is the result of consistent efforts of the Tourism Department and all stakeholders across the country. With the advent of robust train connectivity and other means of transport, the upward trend shall be observed in the future as well,” Sajad said.