The recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam has cast a long shadow over the region’s tourism industry, particularly impacting travelers from West Bengal. As reports of the deadly ambush that claimed the lives of Indian Army personnel spread, travel agencies in Bengal have begun cancelling Kashmir tour packages en masse, citing safety concerns and mass client withdrawals.
This sudden turn of events, especially during the peak tourist season, has left both tour operators and would-be vacationers shaken. The sentiment is clear: “Jaan hai toh jahaan hai”—a popular phrase meaning “If there is life, there is the world.”
Panic Spreads in Bengal’s Tourism Sector
Kolkata and its surrounding districts have traditionally contributed a large chunk of domestic tourists to Kashmir, especially during the summer months when the Valley blooms in full glory. However, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, many travel agencies are witnessing mass cancellations, and some are voluntarily pulling out of planned tours.
“We had two group departures scheduled for the first and second week of May,” said a representative from a leading Kolkata-based travel agency. “But after the Pahalgam incident, over 90% of our clients opted out. We have cancelled the trips altogether.”
Several operators echoed the same sentiment, highlighting a surge in customer calls expressing fear and demanding refunds or rescheduling to alternate destinations like Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, or even Thailand and Nepal.
Families Rethink Travel Plans
Tourists, especially families and elderly travelers, are now hesitant to travel to a place that has once again come under the spotlight for violence and militancy.
“Our bags were packed, and we were excited to see Gulmarg and Sonamarg. But after seeing the news of the ambush, my parents said no,” said Debalina Mitra, a college student from South Kolkata whose family was scheduled to travel to Kashmir in early May. “It’s not worth the risk,” she added.
Travelers are not only fearing direct threats but also the ripple effects of an escalated military response, curfews, or transport disruptions that are often seen in Kashmir during times of conflict.
Tour Operators Face Financial Blow
For tour operators, the cancellations come as a severe financial setback. Many of them had already made advance payments to hotels, transport providers, and local guides in Kashmir. With bookings now on hold or cancelled entirely, they’re scrambling to either secure refunds or shift bookings to safer locations.
“We are facing double trouble—on one hand, we have to refund clients, and on the other, we’re losing money already paid to vendors in Kashmir,” said Sudip Ghosh, a tour planner from Howrah.
Some have even called for a government intervention, seeking partial compensation or travel insurance support to cover the financial losses incurred due to terror-related disruptions.
Kashmir’s Tourism Industry Also Feels the Burn
While Bengal operators are reacting out of fear and responsibility, the fallout is also being deeply felt in the Valley itself. Hotel owners, shikara operators, and guides in Srinagar and surrounding areas were counting on the upcoming summer season for income recovery post-COVID.
“This attack has scared everyone. Cancellations are pouring in, especially from Bengal groups. We don’t know how we’ll survive if this continues,” said a houseboat owner from Dal Lake, who wished to remain anonymous.
Government’s Attempt at Damage Control
In an effort to restore faith, Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism department has issued reassurances, claiming that tourist areas remain secure and that forces are on high alert. However, such statements have done little to stem the wave of fear, especially in states like West Bengal, where memories of previous Kashmir-related unrest still linger.
Conclusion
The phrase “Jaan hai toh jahaan hai” resonates louder than ever in West Bengal’s tourism circles. While Kashmir continues to be one of India’s most breathtaking destinations, the re-emergence of terror has once again made safety the top priority for travelers. Until the situation stabilizes and confidence is restored, the Valley may have to wait a little longer to welcome back the eager tourists from Bengal who once flocked to its scenic slopes.