Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 14: The Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) on Saturday assured its full support to Kashmir’s tourism sector, saying it is crucial for the national travel bodies to stand with the Valley and project it as a safe and vibrant destination.
Addressing a joint press conference in Srinagar, TAFI National President, Ajay Prakash, said that the delegation’s visit is aimed at reassuring people across India that Kashmir is open, safe and ready to welcome visitors.
“We have different chapters across India, and all chapter Chairmen and committee members are here. The aim is to extend full support to tourism, which is Kashmir’s lifeline. There is no place comparable to this,” Prakash said.
Pertinently, the press conference was part of a larger outreach initiative following the terror incident in Pahalgam, which led to a decline in tourist arrivals.
“The incident has left people scared, but we are here to give a strong message. Through our chapters, clients and agents across India, we will spread the word that Kashmir is open, safe and beautiful,” he said.
Ajay further said that Kashmir had witnessed a tourism boom until recently, and efforts are being made to bring back that momentum. “To get back to that level, support is needed from airlines, hoteliers and travel operators across the country,” he said.
He said TAFI is already in touch with airlines and hotel groups to ensure that travel and accommodation rates remain affordable for visitors.
Terming any boycott calls against Kashmir as “foolish,” Prakash said they are here to say that they stand with Kashmir and will support Kashmiri brothers to the fullest. “Things will return to better than before,” he said.
Notably, as a gesture of solidarity, TAFI has decided that its members will include the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism logo and slogans like “Dil Se Kashmir” and “Jannat Phir Khuli Hai” in their email signatures to promote the Valley as a prime travel destination.
Meanwhile, the delegation also visited several tourism stakeholders in the Valley, including hoteliers, travel agents and officials from the tourism department and expressed hope that the message of Kashmir’s hospitality and beauty would be carried nationwide. (KNO)
