Pandemic lockdown and Kashmir's tourism on a ventilator

When coronavirus cases began to plummet, the tour operators of the valley rejoiced over the fact that tourism would be revived again in Kashmir after years of lull. However, with the surge during the second wave, tour operators were disappointed again. The people associated with the tourism industry are surviving many difficulties due to subsequent lockdowns.

Srinagar:Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a good footfall of tourists every year in April and May. Tourists from all over the world would visit Kashmir in this season to enjoy its scenic beauty.

However, for the last three years, the people associated with the tourism industry are surviving many difficulties due to subsequent lockdowns.

When coronavirus cases began to plummet, the tour operators of the valley rejoiced over the fact that tourism would be revived again in Kashmir after years of lull. However, with the surge during the second wave, tour operators were disappointed again.

"Pandemic has broken the back tourism industry in Kashmir. We are suffering for the last two years first because of the abrogation of Article 370 and then covid lockdowns. A lot of efforts were taken to revive tourism which includes event like the Khelo India winter games. These events had sparked the hope of a good tourist season. However, after the second wave of coronavirus all our hopes are doomed," says Manzoor Pakhtoon, Chairman J&K Tourism Alliance.

He further says that this time around the tour operators had organised roadshows in India and abroad and had come up with varied offers on tour packages -- to attract the tourists.

"They had received an overwhelming response and bookings were from all over the world. Nonetheless, in the present scenario all the bookings had to be cancelled," he remarked.

The tour operators were also expecting good business during Amarnath Yatra and had designed packages for the same.

"But now the registration has been closed and none is coming to visit Kashmir so we are witnessing a huge loss. We haven't estimated it yet but it's colossal. People have lost their means of survival, the government should come up with some measure to keep the industry breathing."

While adding to his views, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, Farooq Kothoo said that they were anticipating a boom but the second wave ruined it all.

"Most of the people associated with this industry are suffering from anxiety today. Though Amarnath yatra is a must for tourism season in Kashmir human life comes first, so I'm in favour of its cancellation."

While appealing to the government to announce relief packages for tourism players, the major stakeholders said that, "this industry includes a tour operator, a shikarawalla, a ponywallas, and others. Most of the people are not able to put two square meals on the table. Almost one lakh people are left unemployed due to the jolt to the tourism industry as such government should immediately announce a relief package so that when things normalise we are able to start our business again," he adds.

When ETV Bharat spoke to officials in this regard they said that they are deliberating upon tackling the situation.

Interestingly, Kashmir had witnessed a footfall of 92,913 tourists in the first three months of 2021. Out of which 354 were foreigners and 92,559 local.

According to official data, most tourists came to the valley in March. A total of 47,593 tourists visited the valley in March, of which 47,453 were locals while 140 were foreigners.

The total number of tourists that visited Kashmir in February was 26,218, out of which 154 were from abroad while 26,064 were locals.

Meanwhile, 19,102 tourists came here in January, of which 19,042 were locals and 60 foreigners. The department is yet to compile the list for April 2021.