We invite whole country to visit Kashmir: Hoteliers Club Kashmir make a fervent appeal

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar: In a heartfelt appeal to the nation, Kashmir’s leading hoteliers have urged people across India to visit the Valley and contribute to the revival of peace and joyful tourism.

Addressing a joint press conference in Srinagar on Monday, Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, along with Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, chairman of Nigeen Lake Tourist Trade Association said the tourism stakeholders are fully prepared to host visitors with warmth and improved facilities.

“We invite the whole country to come to Kashmir and give us a chance to serve you again,” said Mr Chaya.

“The Valley is peaceful and safe, and our hotels, houseboats, and guesthouses are ready to welcome guests with open arms”, he said.

The leaders of the Hoteliers Club expressed gratitude for the support extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, all of whom have shown keen interest in revitalising the region’s tourism economy, which has been significantly impacted by recent tensions and adverse weather events.

“We are seeing strong encouragement from the highest levels of government,” added Mr Wangnoo. “The administration is working hard to restore confidence and infrastructure. It’s time now for tourists to return and experience the beauty and hospitality of Kashmir once again.”

The Hoteliers Club also stressed that tourism is not just an economic activity but a cultural bridge that connects Kashmir to the rest of India. “When tourists come, they help heal the wounds of uncertainty and create bonds of peace,” said Chaya.

Tourism, which contributes significantly to Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, had witnessed a dip due to security concerns. However, stakeholders are optimistic that the peaceful atmosphere and proactive government initiatives will help in a strong rebound.

The Hoteliers Club urged travel agencies, airlines, and media to play their part in spreading positive messaging and assured visitors of a safe and memorable experience in the Valley.

“We are expecting a flow of tourists again. Many families are dependent on the tourism sector. We appeal to the people across India to visit Kashmir again,” Mr Chaya said.

He added that the sector has witnessed huge losses, but none of the employees have been fired by the hoteliers or others so far, as everyone is hopeful of resumption in tourism activities. “Time is the best healer. The situation has improved and they (tourists) will come to the Valley again to enjoy. Kashmir is theirs and they are ours,” he said while replying to a query.

When asked about the arrival of tourists again following the Pahalgam tragedy that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, Chaya said, “We are meeting the Lieutenant Governor soon and a big announcement will be made by him and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. I can’t share the details at present, but you will be informed of it shortly. We will also meet the Prime Minister soon; his voice is strong for the whole nation.”

He clarified that advisories have been issued by America and not India. “India is enough for us,” he said, adding that the reply to the Pahalgam carnage has been given and there was no issue now that could deter the tourists from visiting Kashmir.

Pertinently, the tourist footfall declined in the valley following the Pahalgam killings on April 22, 2025. The tour operators had reported cancellation of bookings, which affected the tourism sector. — (with KNO inputs)