IATO Strongly Condemn the Terror Attack on Tourists in Kashmir

Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), on behalf of the entire tourism industry, expresses its deep anguish and pain on selected targetting of tourist in Kashmir by a group of terrorists. It strongly condemns the cowardly terror attack which is clearly designed to deeply impact tourism in Kashmir and create an atmosphere of fear.

While we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of those and pray for the speedy recovery for those who have been injured, we shall see the perpetrators don’t succeed in their nefarious design.

According to Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO “Tourism has always been a bridge for peace, unity and cultural exchange. An attack on tourists is not just an attack on individuals – it is an attack on the spirit of hospitality and the image of our nation. Such acts are deplorable and must be condemned unequivocally by every citizen. IATO members have been promoting and selling Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Packages and will continue to do so and such terrorism activities can not affect our morality to support tourism industry of Jammu & Kashmir”.

Mr. Mehra further added that, “such drastic attacks on innocent tourists will have very negative impact on both domestic tourism to a very large extent and international tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, although international tourist arrivals are less due to advisories issued by various countries. This will adversely affect the livelihood of people in Jammu & Kashmir as people in the state depends on tourism activities, directly or indirectly. As of now it is too early to confirm cancellations. In short run there would be cancellations but with support of all the stake holders we are sure tourism would bounce back”.

The tourism Associations urges the government and security agencies to take strict and immediate action against those culprits and ensure enhanced protection for tourists across the region.