The Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir has dealt a severe blow to the local tourism sector. Following this incident, tourists from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, gripped by fear, are canceling their trips to the region. The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) reports a surge in calls from clients asking to cancel bookings and reschedule flights.
In an exclusive discussion with aajtak, Hemendra Singh Jadon, Chairman of TAAI's Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh Chapter, stated that since the attack, 80 to 100 people have canceled their Kashmir tours, with the number likely to rise. This year, half of the total tours booked from these states were for Kashmir, but now they're being rapidly canceled.
He revealed that many tourists in Jammu and Kashmir are seeking to reschedule their flights. Jadon expressed concern over the significant impact this attack will have on Kashmir's fast-growing tourism industry, which has been booming for the past 2-3 years.
TAAI stated, “After the terrorist assault, most travelers from Madhya Pradesh wish to cut their Jammu-Kashmir trips short and return home promptly.”
He mentioned that since Tuesday night, there has been an overwhelming number of calls from tourists to travel agents. Many potential visitors from Madhya Pradesh, who were planning to visit Kashmir in the coming days and weeks, are also canceling their plans. TAAI's Jammu and Kashmir chapter is helping affected tourists by rearranging their travel and accommodation logistics.
Reports confirm that 28 tourists lost their lives in the attack, with around 20 others injured, spreading fear and insecurity nationwide. The Kashmiri tourism industry, valued at ₹12,000 crore and employing 250,000 individuals, finds itself in deep distress due to this tragic event.
Travel agents speculate that the cancellation of bookings for the next 4-5 months may lead to significant losses for the hotel and travel sectors.
Meanwhile, the central and Jammu-Kashmir administrations have intensified security measures and launched extensive search operations to locate the attackers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a security review meeting in Srinagar, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting short his visit to Saudi Arabia, convened a high-level meeting in Delhi.
