Panaji
The terror attack on tourists at Pahalgam in Kashmir has sent shockwaves across all sectors. While the families of those who lost their lives are still in shock, disbelief and mourning, people in Goa who had planned to spend their summer in cool Kashmir are now uncertain – should they go or cancel? Tour operators in Goa are seeing mixed reactions. Not all tours to Kashmir in May have been cancelled. Some have been put on hold, following a ‘wait and watch’ approach to see if the situation returns to normal.
At Vinsan Travel Assistance Bureau, bookings for May have been kept on hold for now. “There were 8 to 9 families with whom we had shared the quotations, and did bookings in Kashmir. Now, they have dropped the plan, and want us to suggest for some other cooler location in India. Some have asked us to book Singapore or other country, in place of Kashmir. We are still working out on these new bookings,” said a representative from Vinsan.
“Hotels are booked with token amount and tentative dates by tour operators. If tour is cancelled or postponed, the amount is either refunded or kept on hold, till tour for some other customer is booked to the same destination. We request the hotels to return the amount or keep it pending for our future deals, as we have regular business with them,” she added.
However, it is the smaller tour operators who are suffering the most, according to Timoteo Colaco, chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Goa chapter. “The tour operators pay in advance for the hotel accommodations, taxi bookings and site seeing to the local service providers. If the tour is cancelled the money invested in advance is hard to get back or refunded. It’s not that the local vendors do not wish to pay back, but as the money is already spent, and no fresh business coming in, they have no money in hand and are stuck,” explained Colaco.
Kashmir has always faced a volatile situation for many decades, and before the removal of Article 370, there used to be only a few bookings each year. After its abrogation, Kashmir became one of the most popular tourist destinations, with people freely choosing to visit. Pointing this out, Nilesh Shah, former president of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), admitted that the recent terror attack on tourists at Pahalgam has dealt a major blow to the tourism industry, especially as summer is the peak season when tourists from Goa and across India visit Kashmir. He also mentioned that for the locals in the valley, this was the season to earn, but now their businesses too will suffer.
“The tourist season will suffer badly. Jammu and Kashmir was the top destination for summers, and most people from Goa were planning to go there, but now they have deserted their idea of visiting the bruised and wounded State. Kashmir is bleeding. It’s a deliberate blow on the flourishing tourism industry in J & K,” lamented Shah.
“Every year, we have around 40-50 bookings for Kashmir between March 15 to June 15. This year too we had bookings. Some of our clients have already visited Kashmir and returned before the fatal incident occurred. Those who are still there asked for return tickets which we provided. Those who landed just before the incident have cut short their visit and are on their way, back to the safety of their homes in Goa,” added Shah.
Life in Kashmir has already been disrupted due to a recent cloudburst and heavy rain. Flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and falling stones have affected movement on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at several places. Stranded tourists are eager to leave the State as soon as possible. Airlines have stepped in to help. Air India Express has announced that change and cancellation fees are waived for all flights to and from Srinagar until April 30.
Tourism is the main source of income in Kashmir, and local service providers are always eager to welcome tourists. Sameer Baktoo, chairman of TAAI (J&K Chapter), has assured that their team is available 24x7 to assist any tourist currently in Kashmir who may need help, and helpline numbers have been shared. Although incidents like these cause short-term disruptions, TAAI has expressed confidence that with strong government support, tight security measures, and the commitment of all involved, tourism in J&K will bounce back. To show support for the State and its people, TAAI will also be holding a convention in Kashmir once the situation improves.
‘We will visit Kashmir this year too! The Valley is my second home’
PANAJI: Sarita Chavan, who has visited Kashmir many times, says the Valley feels like her second home. “The people are so warm and welcoming. I have always felt safe there,” says Chavan, who has attended every Kargil Vijay Diwas celebration for over ten years.
Asked if she would cancel her visit, she firmly says, “Absolutely not! Incidents like this only make us stronger. I am leading a group from Goa again this year, and no one has stepped back. We are more determined than ever to honour our soldiers.”
Chavan adds, “If anything, visiting now is a privilege. We must not let terrorism control us. Our unity and strength will always win.”
She admits the tragic incident in Pahalgam was deeply upsetting but says the spirit of the Kashmiri people remains strong.
