First-time US tourists hail Valley’s hospitality, safety

Srinagar, Sep 7: Kashmir’s tourism sector is showing signs of revival, with foreign tourists returning to the Valley alongside local and domestic visitors following the Pahalgam attack.
The tourists said that during their visit to Wular Lake, located between Bandipora and Sopore in north Kashmir. They praised the region’s natural beauty, hospitality, food and tourism infrastructure, while also recommending Kashmir to international travellers.
Dan Richardson from West Virginia, USA, who was visiting the Valley for the first time, said he found the experience highly enjoyable, praising both the country and its people.
“I’m going to recommend Kashmir to international people highly,” Richardson said. He praised the tourism infrastructure and hospitality, saying the people were among the most appealing aspects of his visit.
“Tourism infrastructure and hospitality are awesome, and people too are very comfortable. That’s what is most lovable,” he said.
Richardson said he did not face any concerns during his visit. “I didn’t find any concern here, especially when I’m in a group, and I felt it safe all over as people are protective,” he said.
Tina Thuermer, also from Virginia, USA, said she has been visiting India for the past eight years and first visited Kashmir when she was 10 years old.
Describing her experience, Thuermer praised the people and food of Kashmir and said she would continue recommending the Valley to others.
“Wonderful people, wonderful food and I’m going to recommend it as usual,” she said.
Thuermer said she particularly enjoyed observing everyday life on the streets and interacting with the surroundings. “What’s most beautiful is everybody’s life on the streets and everything can be viewed, which is lovely,” she said.
The tourist said she had never been concerned about travelling to India or Kashmir and said she planned to return soon.
“I’m going to return here soon,” she said.
Thuermer urged tourists to look beyond the Valley’s most popular destinations, saying places such as Wular Lake are also worth visiting.
“Not only Gulmarg or Pahalgam, but other places like Wular and others are worth visiting,” she said.
For the tourism sector, the return of international visitors alongside domestic and local tourists offers a positive sign as Kashmir seeks to regain its position as a major travel destination. (KNO)