Biz Desk
SRINAGAR, Nov 25: In an effort to revive tourist confidence after the recent Pahalgam attack, around 25 tour operators from across India today began a four-day familiarisation (FAM) trip to Kashmir. The initiative aims to reassure travellers that the Valley remains a safe and welcoming destination.
The group, comprising travel agents from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, arrived in Srinagar this morning and will tour Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg over the next four days. Organisers hope the firsthand experience will help correct negative perceptions and promote winter tourism.
“We have come to promote Kashmir. There is no terror, and it is very safe for tourists. We want people from all over India and the world to come and see Kashmir without fear,” said Erum, a tour operator from Mumbai.
Pooja from Akshay Holidays described Kashmir as “heaven” and encouraged domestic travellers to prioritise the Valley over foreign destinations. “The people here are very cooperative. It feels like we are at our own home,” she said.
Lovely Gupta from West Bengal, who is visiting Kashmir for the fourth time since the Pahalgam incident, echoed similar confidence. “Drivers and hoteliers are very positive. Even if I am alone at Dal Lake, I do not feel scared,” she said.
Hilal Ahmed of RM Holdings, the organiser of the FAM tour, said the purpose was to allow agents to gauge the situation on the ground and return with a positive message. “When they go back and speak about their experience, more tourists will come. We want to revive Kashmir tourism at any cost,” he said.
The delegation will conclude its tour on November 30. Tourism stakeholders hope the visit will significantly boost winter tourist arrivals in the coming weeks.
