Resilience after Pahalgam terror attack: Tourists say 'will come back'

The Pahalgam terrorist attack has hit the tourism sector after 26 people hailing from different parts of the country were killed. While there is an air of scepticism in Jammu and Kashmir, the heart of Indian tourism, some tourists have said they would not avoid travelling to the region despite the gruesome attack that has left the nation shaken.

Tourists lodged in and around the area where the attack happened were seen flocking out of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. On their way out of J&K, many tourists said that while what happened is condemnable, they hope the situation gets better soon so they can come back to witness the beauty the union territory has to offer.

A tourist from West Bengal said, “We travelled through many parts of Kashmir yesterday, but after the attack, we have to return now. Whatever happened in Pahalgam was horrific. The situation will affect tourism too. We hope that the government takes quick action and we can come back to Kashmir.”

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According to a report by the Indian Express, officials and stakeholders believe that the terrorists deliberately timed the attack to coincide with the peak tourist season in the Valley, when thousands flock to enjoy the meadows and Mughal gardens in full spring bloom. The attack also occurred in Pahalgam, South Kashmir — a location that features prominently on every tourist’s itinerary.

Tourists cancel travel plans

At the same time, a number of travellers who had plans to visit the union territory have been cancelling their hotel bookings and axing their holiday schedules to the region.

#WATCH | Jammu & Kashmir | A group of tourists with a schedule to visit Pahalgam today, terminate the plan and are now returning to Delhi in view of #PahalgamTerroristAttack https://t.co/bCZmHdlOAm pic.twitter.com/lKjPe6E7AY

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2025

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According to a report by Moneycontrol, the head of a travel operator called Chalo Ghumne Tours & Travel, said, “Due to the recent Pahalgam attack, I had to cancel all upcoming bookings for the next 4-5 months, and this will result in significant losses.”

“Yesterday, I was talking to a client who had decided to block 14 rooms for a family holiday, taking close family to Kashmir for their mother’s 75th birthday. They have been across the world and the mother longed to go to Kashmir after being there as a child,” another travel agent told MC.