Srinagar, June 17: Prominent travel operators have intensified efforts to revive tourism in Kashmir post-Pahalgam attack.
“Kashmir is safe and offers a secure holiday experience for tourists,” said a delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), which is currently on its visit to the valley to promote tourism.
IATO, in cooperation with Indigo and prominent hotel chains including ITC and Radisson, was on a four-day visit to the Valley to assess the situation here for tourists.
Appealing to tourists to visit Kashmir, the tourism association said that Pahalgam, Srinagar, and the surrounding areas were completely safe for tourists.
“Pahalgam, Srinagar, and surrounding areas are safe for tourists. The hospitality, warmth, and readiness of the local tourism industry are visible, and we were heartened to see that both government authorities and private stakeholders are working together seamlessly to ensure the safety, comfort, and memorable experiences of all visitors,” the spokesperson of the association said.
IATO also appealed to the travel fraternity- both Indian and International- to confidently promote Jammu and Kashmir as a premier tourist destination.
“We assure travellers that Kashmir is open, vibrant, and ready to host them. The valley, in all its natural splendour, is offering not just scenic beauty but a rejuvenating and secure holiday experience,” it added.
The IATO urged the media and travel influencers to share the positive developments and support this effort in rebuilding trust and dispelling unfounded apprehensions.
The association also said its delegation witnessed first-hand the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere prevailing across all the locations they visited.
Earlier, IATO appealed to the tourists across the country not to boycott Kashmir.
“Gruesome incidents happen everywhere. Our Kashmir people and tourism fraternity came onto the streets and protested against the attack. We should now support Kashmir tourism wholeheartedly,” IATO President Ravi Gosain told The Kashmir Monitor.
IATO also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed steps to boost tourism in the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister in his official X handle said, “Interacted with a delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators and discussed measures to boost tourism and promote J-K as a premier travel destination.”