While tourism stakeholders are awaiting the revival of the sector post abrogation of Article 370, around 10,000 tourists have already visited the Kashmir valley after the lifting of advisory on October 9.
The tourism sector had been thrown out of gear earlier after the government on August 2 issued a security advisory for tourists and Amarnath pilgrims asking them to curtail their stay in the Valley.
The arrival of nearly 10,000 tourists since October 9 is much below the usual but it has nevertheless rekindled some hope among the tourism players.
“Nearly 10,000 tourists, including 600 foreigners, have arrived in Kashmir after the government withdrew the August 2 advisory,” said a senior Tourism Department official.
The official said around 60,000 tourists had visited Kashmir in October last year. “This is a good omen and we are hopeful that the numbers will increase gradually. We have also embarked on a promotional campaign and we expect good results once it snows in the winter months….especially when (north Kashmir ski resort) Gulmarg gets covered in a snow blanket. We will continue to hold FAM tours for national tour operators so that a positive message goes out,” he added.
The private players, however, say planning tours and bringing tourists was difficult when Internet services were down. “Promotional campaigns will yield no result as long as ground situation does not improve. Moreover, how can we plan tours when there is no Internet? Modern day businesses are dependent on Internet,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, owner of City Star Hotel.
He said they were only receiving inquiries at the moment. “Tour operators and tourists do call us to enquire about the situation. They are still apprehensive about the situation and ask if it was safe to travel to Kashmir,” Wani said.
Meanwhile, though postpaid mobiles were restored on October 14 after 70 days, Internet and prepaid phone services continue to remain suspended since August 5.
