PANJIM: The dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu, has killed 26 tourists. Just when tourism was picking up after Covid, this attack has shattered many livelihoods. This is likely to have an impact on tourism all over India. We asked tourism stakeholders in Goa, “Will the terrorist attack on tourists have a serious impact on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir?”
The terrorist attack will definitely have an impact on terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. But the perpetrators should be immediately caught and brought to justice. There is a need to do this without polarizing communities, which is the main aim of the terrorists to see that the harmony which exists between the two communities is destroyed.
Jack Sukhija President, TTAG
Absolutely, this is the most heinous act which the terrorists have done. It is the worst attack on tourists in Kashmir in the last 40 years of insurgency since 1989. There are very few instances where tourists have been attacked. This will hit the livelihood of the Kashmiri people in general and it will affect tourism in a big way. Tourists always look for safe places where they go. Goa is a small place, but already many domestic tourists to Kashmir have already cancelled their tours. Those going to Srinagar also have already started cancelling in a big way.
Nilesh Shah Past President, TTAG
Absolutely. Such an attack is a terrible attack. Many people have lost their lives. This will definitely affect tourism in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Lot of cancellation have already started coming in and people who are already there they also want to rush back. So the impression is that it is a very scary situation and very dangerous situation and this will badly affect tourism which has grown multifold in the last few years.
Ernest Dias Chief Operating Officer, TCI
The terrorist attack in Kashmir will affect tourism badly and it will last for years now. The sad part is it will not only affect India but other parts of India, since Kashmir is also a part of India. And it is surprising that they have done this at this time when everything was going so well in the state, tourism was booming after so many years. Just this one attack has created so much damage and washed away so many years of hard work and goodwill. Attacking tourists is something very very uncalled for.
Lyndon Alves, Founder, Sunset Getaway