Kashmir: safe destination for tourists

Kashmir does not need to be featured for its popularity as a tourist destination around the world. Unfortunately, due to the political uncertainty that prevailed after 1990, tourists began to stay away from Kashmir until the mid-2000s. But with the improvement of the general situation in Kashmir in the mid-2000s, domestic tourists started flocking to Kashmir in large numbers and the tourist season peaked in 2013. Unfortunately, the tourism industry has been hit hard. affected, in particular after the repeal of Article 370 and due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Whenever tourism starts to expand in the valley, some vested interests start to launch a malicious campaign on the safety of tourists in Kashmir. These special interests do not take into account that Kashmir is not only known for its beauty, but that real beauty runs in the blood of the people of Kashmir. The Kashmiris are known worldwide as the most hospitable and welcoming community for travelers. There are many examples where people put their lives on the line for tourists. The tradition of serving their guests wholeheartedly has not died out and there are countless examples of how Kashmiris have sacrificed their own comfort to make tourists feel comfortable.

This is why the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) has confirmed that Jammu and Kashmir remains the safe destination for foreign tourists. According to the report, no cases of crimes against foreigners at J&K were recorded in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. No cases of violence, sexual assault, rape, forgery, theft and cheating has not been reported in Jammu and Kashmir. This report should open our eyes to foreign countries that have banned their citizens from visiting Kashmir.

Unfortunately, due to the warnings to travelers, mainly from European countries, USA and Australia, inbound tourism to Kashmir has also been hit hard and it is high time to lift them so that foreigners visit the Kashmir again. picturesque region.

It is a fact that every tourist visiting Kashmir has a memorable story to tell about the beauty and hospitality of Kashmir. All tourists visiting Kashmir feel they were reluctant to visit Kashmir due to the fear psychosis created by many media but once they visit this place they feel they would like to come back here again and even.

Despite everything, the people of Kashmir have spared no effort to serve the tourists; the reason being the hospitality that runs in their blood. Let us destroy the nefarious designs that have been so determined to damage Kashmir and continue to make this place the safest tourist destination in the world.

(The author is pursuing studies on tourism. Email: [email protected])