Srinagar: Despite the recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, tourists have returned to the scenic Kashmir Valley, including its Prime Minister’s resort (Pahalgam), which is spoken by many on Sunday of the hospitality of locals.
Stakeholders said they welcomed more than 7,000 holidaymakers over the past three days after major damage to the tourism industry following the April 22 terrorist attacks. “It’s the warmth of the people of Kashmir, personalized services and gestures like discounts for accommodation and free meals, which helps rebuild confidence,” said travel agency Rauf Tramboo.
With the terrifying and unexpected terrorist attacks on April 22, which caused fear of security, thousands of tourists on vacation in Kashmir immediately left the valley. Tourism officials here said the Bloody Act also caused about 80% of scheduled visits to the rest of April.
Although travel agencies in Mumbai, Delhi and elsewhere have reported a large number of bookings in the coming weeks due to safety concerns, Tramboo, which is responsible for the Highland Journey and Adventure Travel, said 40% to 50% of bookings in May were complete and were not canceled in June and beyond. Although the mainstream national media (especially TV channels) reported on Kashmir in negative light, as well as malicious and irresponsible social media posts in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, tourists also returned to the valley. And, in the past few days, those who want to visit in the past few days are a good guy, he said a good brand, he said that, and it is a good sign. ”
Several families and foreign tourists who appeared in Pahalgam over the weekend said their decision to visit the place was the warm hospitality and support of Kashmiris. “I decided to spend about a week with my family in the valley and the trust in the security forces,” said Ramesh Khanna, a resident of Punjab.
Among the people on holiday in Pahalgam on Sunday, Bollywood actor Atul Kulkarni told reporters that he will receive a lot of love from Kashmir. “The people of Kashmir are very beautiful; their warm hospitality is unparalleled. It makes guests feel very valued and comfortable. All of these people are meeting me, and they are hard to see them now, but they will smile when I meet them and share my purpose here.”
He added that it was obvious that terrorists hoped that people should not come to Kashmir. “They are threatening us and saying we shouldn’t visit Kashmir but we shouldn’t listen to them. We should come here or it will be their victory. I decided to contribute. When I tell others this, they say it’s important and you should tell people to come here. You should tell people they are safe and we will take responsibility for them,” he said. ”
On Saturday, merchants from Lal Chowk in the central square of Srinagar were provided with free drinks and cookies to visitors, a heart-warming and warm hospitality. “What we did was to make them feel welcome and show the traditional warmth and generosity of the valley,” a spokesperson for the Lal Chowk Traders Association said. He added: “We hope that every visitor visiting Srinagar will feel at home. Providing tea, biscuits and water is a small way to show Kashmir’s famous hospitality.”
“The Pahalgam incident is frightening. It hurts our hearts. But the Kashmir people expressed anger that the attack was not only targeting innocent tourists, but also threatening the economy and receptions of the valley,” he added. “It is exciting that iconic attractions like the Dal Lake, Gurmag, Sonamag and Dudpari in Srinagar have resumed normal activities. People even started to show up in Pahalgam.”
