Staff reporter
Guwahati: The recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu& Kashmir, has sent shockwaves through the travel industry, leading to a surge in trip cancellations and heavy financial losses for tour operators, particularly in Assam.
Travel agents who had meticulously arranged packages for visitors planning to travel to Kashmir in May are now grappling with widespread cancellations. With flights, hotels, and itineraries booked in advance, the abrupt change has dealt a significant blow to the industry.
“A group had confirmed their travel for May, but following the incident, they cancelled their plans. We had curated an entire package for them, and the last-minute pullout has resulted in a financial setback of nearly Rs 1–2 lakh,” said a Guwahati-based travel operator and member of the Tour Operator Association of Assam (TOAA).
The impact is being felt across the sector, with multiple groups cancelling their Kashmir trips. Another TOAA member reported that four groups scheduled to travel during the Puja holidays have also withdrawn, causing an estimated loss of around Rs 10 lakh.
However, amid the gloom, some operators are identifying a potential opportunity. “Tourists may now look towards the northeastern states as alternative destinations. Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam offer a similar mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness,” the operator added.
Industry experts believe that while Kashmir has long been a favourite for both domestic and international tourists, security concerns may now divert travel interest to the northeast, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the region’s tourism sector.
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