Renewed dawn for tourism

While things are gradually easing for the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir, the national tour operators have been coming to the rescue for local tourism stakeholders here by organizing a series of programmes in the region to woo the tourists from different parts of the country. The slump in tourism activities was witnessed soon after the terror attack in Baisaran valley of Pahalgam on April 22 left 26 innocents including 25 tourists and one local dead. However, the mission revival was started with active participation by the tour operators from outside Jammu and Kashmir, who have been visiting the region and sending a message that Kashmir is safe and ready to welcome the tourists again. This message from the national tour operators is seen as an appreciable move and also a step towards rekindling the joy in the tourism industry again. Moreover, the reopening of tourist destinations, announced by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Saturday will further push the revival of the tourism sector in the region. Many of the tourist destinations were closed post-Pahalgam attack, but with these spots now set to reopen from next week, the tourism sector is expected to flourish again with the increasing footfall. The tourism sector is being considered as the backbone of the region’s economy. However, it was the time to appreciate the national tour operators for their efforts as it would bring the things to the track again. The government needs to seize the opportunity and ensure that these efforts are taken to the logical conclusion for the wellbeing of the tourism industry.