The heinous deadly attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam by a group of terrorist where 26 people have died and several injured, has left the whole countrymen saddened and angered.
Reacting on this heinous crime, the tourism and hospitality sector of India has expressed its deep anguish and pain on selected target killing of tourists in Pahalgam of Kashmir by a group of terrorists. The attack has been deeply condemned by the Govt of India and Head of states like the US and Russia.
Expressing his anger on this inhumane act, Rajiv Mehra, President of Indian Association of Tour Operators said: “An attack on tourists is not just an attack on individuals – it is an attack on the spirit of hospitality and the image of our nation. Such acts are deplorable and must be condemned unequivocally by every citizen.”
Speaking on the samelines, the oldest travel congress, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has expressed its deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation of the recent heinous attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir.
“This despicable act, targeting those who came in the spirit of discovery and peace, is an attack not only on the lives of individuals but on the very fabric of our nation’s hospitality and harmony,” said TAAI President, Sunil Kumar R.
“We mourn the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Our prayers are with those injured, and we hope for their swift and complete recovery,”
he added.
“Tourism is the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, and the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam is a grave assault on the region’s prosperity and the well-being of its people. We must ensure that such acts of violence do not hinder the region’s progress. The safety and security of both tourists and locals must remain our top priority moving forward,” said, K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI.
Kashmir has seen record-breaking tourism in 2024, with 34.98 lakh visitors, including over 43,000 foreign tourists. Pahalgam, a major destination, has been a key part of this surge, with 5.5 lakh visitors in just the first quarter of this year.
This growth is a clear sign of the region’s increasing appeal among the domestic and international tourists as a premier global tourism destination. The record surge in tourists to the region fuelled local employment and businesses indicating towards normalcy in the Valley and a more prosperous future.
Though, standing in solidarity with the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian tourism and hospitality associations have extended their support topromoting and selling tourism packages and believe that such terrorism activities cannot affect their morality to support tourism industry of Jammu & Kashmir.
