Srinagar: Tourism players are staring at uncertain future as Pahalgam attack has an exodus of tourists from the valley.
On Tuesday, as many as 26 tourists lost their lives in a militant attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, sending shockwaves across the country. The Pahalgam attack, which took place in one of the valley’s most visited and picturesque tourist spots, has shaken the sense of security that had slowly returned over the past few years.
It prompted an exodus of tourists fearing for their safety in the valley. On Wednesday, long queues formed at Srinagar Airport and the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) as non-locals, including families and tour groups, scrambled to book tickets to their home states.
Tourists who had scheduled their visits to Pahalgam for today, terminated their plans and are now returning to Delhi.
“Our trip went very well for the last three days. Because of yesterday’s terrorist attack, we are fear-stricken.. We had plans for Pahalgam, but since the situation is not good here, we are leaving for Delhi,” said Sameer Bhardwaj, a tourist from Delhi.
Outside Srinagar airport, a serpentine queue of vehicles was seen as tourists headed from various destinations to leave for their home states. “We arrived at Srinagar airport the day before yesterday. We are reducing our five-day tour plan to just three and are leaving for Gujarat today,” said Sunil Mehta, a tourist from Gujarat.
Travel agents across the valley are reporting widespread cancellations. “We are witnessing a significant number of tourists planning to leave the valley. Those who are still here are cutting their trips short. A good number of bookings are getting cancelled. We are not sure about the flow in the coming months,” said Farooq Ahmad Kuthoo, a senior travel agent.
Kuthoo said that more than their business, they are worried about the victims’ families. “It is a big loss to humanity. We all joined here to condemn the act,” he said.
With the peak summer tourism season just around the corner, industry insiders fear a prolonged impact on travel and hospitality in the region.
Meanwhile, airline companies have added flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday.
Air India and IndiGo have scheduled four supplementary flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai.