Bengal Tour Operators to Protest Pahalgam Attack, Threaten Kashmir Tourism Boycott Kolkata: The recent Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry, sparking widespread cancellations
Kolkata: The recent Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to Kashmir’s tourism industry, sparking widespread cancellations and raising concerns over the region’s upcoming peak tourist season. In response, tour operators from West Bengal—who claim to contribute 25-30% of Kashmir’s tourists—have announced a protest march in Kolkata on Thursday and warned of halting bookings for the Valley.
The rally, organized by the Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI), will begin at the West Bengal Youth Hostel and proceed to the State Assembly. A TAFI member stated, “This is not just a terror attack on humanity but also a direct blow to tourism.”
Anil Punjabi, a TAFI national committee member, highlighted the crucial role of Bengali tourists in sustaining Kashmir’s economy. “Bengal contributes 25-30% of Kashmir’s total tourism. It took years to rebuild trust after earlier disruptions, but this incident has shattered that image in seconds,” he told The Indian Express.
Several tour operators in Bengal have already started refusing new bookings for Kashmir, fearing safety concerns. Akash Kundu, owner of Kolkata-based Explore India travel agency, said, “In the future, we will refrain from taking bookings for Kashmir.”
The attack has disrupted what was expected to be a thriving summer season, with many tourists canceling trips despite prior bookings. Industry insiders warn that if security concerns persist, Kashmir’s tourism-dependent economy could face long-term damage.
Over the past few years, Kashmir had seen a steady revival in tourism, with record footfall in 2023. However, the Pahalgam attack has reignited fears among travelers, particularly from Bengal, which has been a key market for the Valley.
Tour operators are now urging both the central and state governments to ensure robust security measures to restore confidence. “If tourists don’t feel safe, no amount of promotions will bring them back,” said a travel agent.
The protest march in Kolkata is expected to draw significant participation from industry stakeholders, sending a strong message to authorities about the urgent need to safeguard tourism in Kashmir.
