Srinagar: With the mass exodus of tourists from Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, ninety per cent of tourism bookings for the next week have been cancelled, the country's top tour operators said.
Sudhir Patil of Veena Patil Hospitality Private Limited (Veena World), a prominent tour and travel operator, said the terrorists have not killed tourists but aimed to hit the soul and destroy the bond between the country and Kashmir developed over the years.
"We are facing cancellations as the attack has shaken the confidence of tourists. The next two months are peak tourist season, and almost all hotels, from five-star to low-budget ones, were booked. But unfortunately, now there are 90-100 per cent cancellations for the next 10 days," Patil told ETV Bharat.
He, along with a few leading tour operators from the country, arrived in Kashmir after the terror attack to interact with local tourism stakeholders and authorities for instilling confidence among tourists.
Patil said they plan to allow visitors who booked a tour package to delay their travel till May 2026 without cancelling their bookings. The tour operators, according to him, can offer them an option to travel to Kashmir on the same bookings till May 2026.
He described the terror attack as shocking, saying they never expected it to happen. “It is really shocking and terribly upsets me. The attack is going to hit tourism, and we are cancelling bookings. Some tourists stayed back in Kashmir, and I hail their courage. But they were extended support by locals," he added.
Replying to reports over some government plan of putting restrictions on tourist destinations, the tour operator said they would follow all these directions, but urged that it be notified earlier so that they can plan alternate destinations for tourists.
"The situation will have some precautions and conditions, but our request is that such conditions should be reviewed from time to time. We can communicate with guests and make alternate arrangements for them," added Patil.
Patil hailed the tourism stakeholders in Kashmir for instilling confidence and extending support to tourists. Another leading tour operator, Pooja Holidays, was represented by its owner, Satishbhai Shah.
Shah said that the Maharashtra Travel Association has decided to send tourists despite the attack, and they will act as ambassadors of peace.
“They will take a positive message from Kashmir back home. We have decided to restore tourism and will look beyond profit," he added.
