Pahalgam terror attack: Jammu and Kashmir tourism ministry urges fee waiver, support for tourists

Following the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam by militants, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has appealed to all tourist service providers to offer full support to affected travellers, including waiving cancellation charges.

 

In an official communication issued by the Secretary of Tourism, Government of India, V Vidayvathi, has asked travel agents, tour operators, online travel aggregators (OTAS), tourist transport providers, hoteliers, and other accommodation units to provide all possible help to tourists.

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"This is in the aftermath of the recent incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It is requested that all the tourist service providers… may provide all possible assistance to the tourists including waiving off cancellation fees. Your support is greatly appreciated,"  said Vidyavathi in an official communication.

 

The move comes as many tourists across the country, shaken by the killings, have rushed to cancel their travel plans to the Valley. The request is aimed at easing the emotional and financial burden on visitors while showing that the region stands united in support of the victims.

 

The department has also expressed gratitude to those in the tourism sector who are standing by tourists during this difficult time.

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The Centre arranged additional flights from Delhi to Srinagar for tourists wanting to return home. The Railways, too, launched a special train from Katra to Delhi to assist stranded passengers and accommodate the extra rush of passengers leaving Kashmir. 

 

Tour operators in Kashmir fear that the Pahalgam attacks will dent the tourist footfall in Kashmir. Post Article 370 and the Covid pandemic, Kashmir has emerged as one of the favourite travel destinations for domestic tourists.  The huge influx has immensely helped the industry, which has been struggling to achieve its true potential.

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After the Article 370 move, the government also opened up border areas like Keran, Machil, Gurez and Tangdhar for tourists for the first time since the eruption of militancy. However, the hoteliers, houseboat owners and transporters fear that Pahalgam attack is likely to deter tourists from visitng Kashmir. 

India