Tourism fraternity welcomes Hurriyat’s Statement

Travel trade and hospitality sector has welcomed the statement of the Hurriyat leadership inviting tourists and Yatris from the world to visit Kashmir.
The joint separatist leadership on Tuesday invited the tourists and Yatris from the world to visit Kashmir and “enjoy our hospitality and the beauty of paradise on earth.”
“From centuries Kashmiris have been safeguarding and providing exemplary hospitality and safety to tourists and Yatris from world including India as we have been taught hospitality, humanity and safeguarding the rights of guests by our great religion,” said a joint statement issued by the joint resistance leadership comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik.
The leaders said that the tourists and Yartris from the “world including India who intend to visit Kashmir are most welcome.”
President Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF) Javed Burza also welcome the statement said it would have a positive result for the tourism sector.
“The statement has come at a right time as hoteliers and travel agents are visiting the Indian cities to attract them to Kashmir. We will try our best to convince travellers to visit Kashmir and enjoy our hospitality,” said Burza.
Junior Vice President Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Association (KHARA) Adil Khan also hailed Hurriyat leadership for the statement saying it would ensure that tourists return to Kashmir.
As per official figures, the livelihood of around 8 lakh people are directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry and is the largest employer in the State.
However, due to the prolonged unrest in the state, the tourists flow to Kashmir had dwindled affecting the livelihood of the lakhs of the people.
Travel Agents Society of Kashmir (TASK) said this is a welcome step from the Hurriyat leadership as tourist flow to Kashmir was negligible.
“Tourism becomes the first causality during the disturbances. The statement from Hurriyat leadership will have a huge impact on the tourists who intend to visit Kashmir. Earlier, they were doubtful about visiting Kashmir. After this statement, the tourists will change their mind and visit Kashmir,” said TASK General Secretary Ather Yamin.
Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) while welcoming the Hurriyat statement said Kashmiris have always shown highest kind of hospitality even during worst times.
“Though Kashmir is passing through difficult times but the people have always remained most hospitable with the visiting tourists. Tourists have always enjoyed the warmth here,” said TAAK President Manzoor Siddiq.
Siddiq said tourists should visit Kashmir and enjoy the beauty of this land.
“The hospitality of Kashmiris is known world ever and the proof of which is that the visitors have come here in large number in the past despite have some bad situations. The tourists have always reposed faith in the people here and this time also they would return back to Valley during winter months,” said Siddiq.
The travel industry have also urged government to take concrete steps for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute so that such incidents don’t recur.