Srinagar, India (TAN): Stakeholders in the tourism industry of Jammu and Kashmir feel that Indian government’s decision to withdraw the state’s special status would help tourism in the region, a report in The Pioneer said.
The government has decided to make Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the popular tourist destinations in northernmost India, into two separate Union Territories. These are among India’s most visited regions with spectacular mountainous landscapes. But Kashmir has for many decades also remained disturbed by violence.
The government’s latest move removes the special political status the state of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed since it joined the Union of India in 1947. As part of the special status, people from outside the state could not buy property in the state and consequently, adequate investments did not happen.
[ALSO READ: China bans its citizens from travelling to Taiwan as individuals]
Manas Mukherjee of Jai Tours & Travels believes the removal of Article 370 will help in the development of the region with new investment pouring in and new hotels coming up.
“It’s a welcome move for the tourism industry which will result in new hotels opening in the valley creating numerous job opportunities. This will definitely create a lot of demand among the customers in times to come. It’s the most beautiful place in India and the locals there are very warm and welcoming. Packages for Pahalgam and Ladakh have always been very popular,” the report quoted Mukherjee as saying.
Another travel agent, Sagar Madnani of Travellers Pleasure, says he expects the coming years to be very positive for the travel industry in Kashmir.
[ALSO READ: India- Four Seasons Bengaluru to host kebab festival]
“People want the best when travelling. Apart from political unrest, people have also cancelled their plans due to lack of good hotels and resorts. Being from the tourism industry, we are hoping that many hotels will now open their chains in Kashmir fulfilling the demand for premium properties. In the next two-three years, this move will prove to be a boon for the travel and tourism industry in the valley,” he said, according to the report.
