Majority of tour operators say better late than never, some say no fun as season over; All tourists are welcome from Oct 10, says Raj Bhawan Official
Gowhar Nazir
Srinagar, Oct 08 (KNO): The announcement made by the Governor Satya Pal Malik about lifting of the two month long tourism advisory and asking the tourists to visit Kashmir again from October 10 onwards has evoked mixed response.
Majority of tour operators say that the decision is better late ever while many felt that “revoking the advisory at a time when peak tourism season is over, is of no fun.”
According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the state administration led by Governor Malik announced roll back of advisory that was issued on August 3 asking tourists and pilgrims to leave Kashmir immediately, stands revoked and that tourists can visit Kashmir again from October 10 onwards.
“Yes there is no advisory for tourists intending to visit Kashmir. All—domestic and international tourists are welcome to Kashmir,” an official in the Governor house, told KNO.
According to Shabir Dangola, a houseboat owner, “The revocation of travel advisory for Kashmir has arrived at the time when the tourism season ended in valley but still we hope for the best.”
He said that tour and travel agents were the primary victims of government issued advisory. He further added that, the rollback of the August 3 advisory will not bear any fruit for now as the prevailing uncertainty has stabbed the tourism industry much badly.
Younis Ahmad Kenu, a hotel owner said that the rollback of tourism advisory serves no purpose particularly at the time when the tourism season is over in the valley.
He said that the Government issued advisory have taken their business to a devastating losses by restricting the tourists in the valley.
He further added, “The sudden move of issuing tourist advisory completely shattered all our operations here, leaving us on the mercy of God. Now let’s hope something will work out for us by this revocation.” (
