Despite the recent terror attack in Pahalgam which killed 26 tourists, visitors are returning to the scenic Kashmir Valley including its premier resort (Pahalgam), driven by what many of them said on Sunday was the hospitality of local people.
Stakeholders said that after experiencing a significant disruption in tourism following the April 22 terror attack, they have welcomed more than 7,000 holidaymakers in the past three days. “It is the warmth of the people of Kashmir, personalised services and the gestures like discounts on accommodations and free meals that is helping rebuild confidence,” said tour operator Rauf Tramboo.
As the ghastly and unexpected terrorist attack on April 22 fanned security fears, thousands of tourists holidaying in Kashmir had left the Valley immediately. Tourism officials here said the gory act also led to cancellations of about 80 per cent of scheduled visits to the Valley for the remaining days of April.