Terror trips tourism in Kashmir

Big drop in numbers worries operators.

SRINAGAR: Call it a fall out of terror attacks, tourist arrivals in Kashmir have nosedived, giving sleepless nights to tour operators.

Figures released by the J&K Tourism Department show in the first 16 days of July, tourist arrivals in Kashmir were only 37,000 against 2 lakh in May and June. What is more alarming is that the daily arrivals are witnessing a considerable fall.

“Our occupancy rates are now between four to five per cent compared to 90 per cent in the last two months. We are facing a crisis if the situation persists,” said Habib-ullah Mir, president of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurants Association.

Tour operators are now looking forward to tourist arrivals during Durga Puja and Diwali festivals. Alarmed by the fall in numbers, the government is all set to launch a promotional campaign.