Srinagar, May 13: Staring at huge losses post Pahalgam attack, tourism players are pinning their hopes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help revive the crucial sector.
Tourism stakeholders have urged PM Modi to issue a public appeal and reassure tourists about safety in Kashmir.
Post-Pahalgam attack, hotels and houseboats have emptied in Kashmir with almost zero occupancy after many years.
As such the tourism players believe that only Prime Minister Nardendra Modi can help revive the tourism of Kashmir with an assurance of safety to the tourists.
Expressing the despair gripping the industry, Former President Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Farooq Ahmad Khuthoo, said that a strong statement from Prime Minister Modi could significantly boost the confidence of domestic and international tourists.
“A person like Prime Minister Modi can do it for the tourism sector,” Khuthoo said. “To defeat terrorism, people must come to Kashmir, witness its scenic beauty, and experience our hospitality.”
Khuthoo lamented the dire state of tourism in the region, revealing that, for the first time in recent history, not a single tourist was currently staying in Kashmir.
“Travel agents, hoteliers, and transporters have taken loans from financial institutions to keep their businesses running. We are in distress,” he said, urging the Centre to intervene.
Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, echoed similar concerns. He called on the Ministry of Tourism to continue backing revival efforts and disclosed that the Hoteliers Club plans to seek an appointment with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Prime Minister Modi.
“His voice is very important for Kashmir and the whole of India. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, tourists will again start visiting the Valley. This is the time to rebuild and move forward,” he said
Chaya termed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as crucial for lasting peace. He appealed to the travellers across the country to return to Kashmir.
Chaya assured that the situation has significantly improved and that visitors can once again enjoy the Valley’s breathtaking landscapes and renowned hospitality.