Once bustling with visitors, these scenic resorts are now wearing a deserted look as tourists have cancelled bookings
Digital Desk: The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of several tourists, has had a severe ripple effect on the tourism sector in nearby hill destinations like Patnitop, Nathatop, and Sanasar. Once, these picturesque resorts were surrounded by visitors; however, now they maintain maintained deserted look as tourists have cancelled bookings en masse and returned home in fear.
The impact of the incident emerged immediately, according to Rajesh Kumar, who manages hotels in Patnitop. Soon after the terrorist attack, all visitors checked out of our hotels and left Kashmir . He revealed with great concern that all 150 booked rooms received cancellations before the end of the week.
The tourist-dependent operators, such as hotel workers and shop keepers, together with transportation companies have been sitting idle and without income. Sukhdev Singh, who leads the taxi union, reported that all tourists abandoned the region. Our vehicles have remained idle for the past four days. The situation has become challenging because drivers need to receive their monthly payments.
Despite the panic, the tourism owner in the area are comforting visiting tourists by asking them to stay put despite the current panic. Locals stated that tourism in Patnitop continues to be safe and secure. Local security control points have two defense stations located at the city center. Kumar Rajesh confirmed that “Patnitop has never faced such an incident throughout its history.”
The local economy faces serious problems as April usually brings 80 percent occupancy rates as this is the peak season, but the current crisis has caused severe economic loss. The tourism industry stakeholder group asks people to protect Patnitop’s peaceful reputation by avoiding panic about safety.
As the region reels from the aftermath, there is a united hope among locals that confidence in the area’s security will soon be restored and tourists will return.
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