SRINAGAR: Stakeholders went the extra mile Sunday to try and revive J&K’s tourism from the Pahalgam terror attack’s blow, organising a roadshow to the scenic town that started from Srinagar’s Dal Lake.
A large convoy of cabs set out from the deserted ghats of Dal, where shikaras were tied up and shops along the Boulevard were closed, but was stopped in Anantnag town, 30km before Pahalgam, over security reasons.
The aim of the roadshow was to send the message across the country that Kashmir was safe, a day after chief minister Omar Abdullah bemoaned the “severe” impact on tourism from the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, mostly visitors. This was followed by an exodus of tourists and a rash of cancellations.
On Sunday too, not a single tourist was seen on the pavements of Dal’s Boulevard Road. The spot used to be abuzz with activity earlier.
The vacant kerbsides at Dal didn’t deter the organisers of the roadshow, though. With slogans “Invest in Kashmir’s future, Tourism and peace go hand in hand” pasted on the cars, the cavalcade was flagged off by Tanvir Sadiq, legislator and spokesman of CM Omar’s National Conference (NC). Seated in the cars were shikara operators, hoteliers, transporters, tour guides and travel agents.
Sadiq described the event as a key milestone in the efforts to restore confidence among tourists. After the Pahalgam attack , Kashmir is fighting a “war of perception” and the aim is to defeat those who portray the region as unsafe, Sadiq said. According to the NC MLA, the roadshow will also convey to people of the country that Kashmiris stood against terrorism and now it is their turn to stand by Kashmiris and return to the Valley.
Sadiq conceded that the road to revival of tourism was filled with difficulties but insisted that initiatives like the roadshow would help in turning the tide. “I want to give the message to the people of the country to return to the Valley. It is safe. Kashmiris were never with terrorism. They have always stood by tourists,” Sadiq said.
Manzoor Kundroo, Great Himalayan Travels MD who was part of the roadshow, echoed Sadiq. Kundroo hinted at more such events in the days ahead, declaring “Kashmiris are out to welcome tourists again”. After the Pahalgam attack, security has been beefed up across the Valley with increased checkpoints and surveillance at tourist spots.
Speaking Saturday about the impact of the terror strike, CM Omar had expressed dismay. “This summer season has been lost. Hardly any tourists are visiting now. Our current focus is on ensuring Amarnath Yatra (from July 3) is conducted peacefully. We want every pilgrim to return safely. After that, we will look at ways to revive and promote tourism in the region,” Omar had said.
A large convoy of cabs set out from the deserted ghats of Dal, where shikaras were tied up and shops along the Boulevard were closed, but was stopped in Anantnag town, 30km before Pahalgam, over security reasons.
The aim of the roadshow was to send the message across the country that Kashmir was safe, a day after chief minister Omar Abdullah bemoaned the “severe” impact on tourism from the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, mostly visitors. This was followed by an exodus of tourists and a rash of cancellations.
On Sunday too, not a single tourist was seen on the pavements of Dal’s Boulevard Road. The spot used to be abuzz with activity earlier.
The vacant kerbsides at Dal didn’t deter the organisers of the roadshow, though. With slogans “Invest in Kashmir’s future, Tourism and peace go hand in hand” pasted on the cars, the cavalcade was flagged off by Tanvir Sadiq, legislator and spokesman of CM Omar’s National Conference (NC). Seated in the cars were shikara operators, hoteliers, transporters, tour guides and travel agents.
Sadiq described the event as a key milestone in the efforts to restore confidence among tourists. After the Pahalgam attack , Kashmir is fighting a “war of perception” and the aim is to defeat those who portray the region as unsafe, Sadiq said. According to the NC MLA, the roadshow will also convey to people of the country that Kashmiris stood against terrorism and now it is their turn to stand by Kashmiris and return to the Valley.
Sadiq conceded that the road to revival of tourism was filled with difficulties but insisted that initiatives like the roadshow would help in turning the tide. “I want to give the message to the people of the country to return to the Valley. It is safe. Kashmiris were never with terrorism. They have always stood by tourists,” Sadiq said.
Manzoor Kundroo, Great Himalayan Travels MD who was part of the roadshow, echoed Sadiq. Kundroo hinted at more such events in the days ahead, declaring “Kashmiris are out to welcome tourists again”. After the Pahalgam attack, security has been beefed up across the Valley with increased checkpoints and surveillance at tourist spots.
Speaking Saturday about the impact of the terror strike, CM Omar had expressed dismay. “This summer season has been lost. Hardly any tourists are visiting now. Our current focus is on ensuring Amarnath Yatra (from July 3) is conducted peacefully. We want every pilgrim to return safely. After that, we will look at ways to revive and promote tourism in the region,” Omar had said.
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