Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 19: Appreciating security forces and locals for restoring confidence and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, President of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) Ajeet Bajaj on Friday urged tourists to rediscover the region.
Addressing a news conference here after ATOAI’s 17th annual convention, Bajaj, said the perception of insecurity about Kashmir must change. “Everything is normal here and we have seen it for ourselves,” he added.
“This is the jewel in the crown of India’s tourism sector. We are proud of our men and women in uniform who have ensured peace and security and we want to get more tourists back to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest,” Bajaj said.
He said that the sense of normalcy now visible across the Valley must translate into tourism revival. “Our members returned deeply impressed by the peace and positivity they witnessed,” he added.
Another senior ATOAI delegate, who has been visiting Kashmir for over three decades, said, “I have travelled here for 35 years and never felt safer anywhere else. The hospitality and warmth are unmatched,” he said, adding that 2026 “will be a great year for Kashmir tourism.” (KNO)
