After attack, travel operators in Goa cancel Kashmir tours

Panaji: At least two Goan travel operators that organise group tours to Kashmir have cancelled all trips following the dastardly terror attack at Pahalgam. GAC Holidays and Travel Bug Tours and Travels stated that they temporarily ceased offering trips to the picturesque valley, and initiated refunds for the bookings. They said they would await Centre’s announcement on whether tourism activities can resume.
“We have cancelled all our tours until govt tells us it is safe to travel. May is the peak travel period for Kashmir, as it is the best time to travel, and this will cause a huge loss for us. However, more than the loss, our clients’ lives and safety are more important,” said Daxal Naik, the owner of Travel Bug.
Ahraz Mulla, managing director, GAC, said that a similar decision was taken by his travel company. “One group, which was to travel in the coming days, backed out. The airlines refunded the full flight fare because the travel date is before April 30. However, there is another group going on May 6, and the airlines are not offering a refund,” said Mulla. “As of now, all trips until April 30 are cancelled, and we will see what govt says.”
May is generally considered the peak season in Kashmir, especially for tourism. It’s a time when the weather is pleasant, the landscape is lush with blooming flowers, and travel options improve as winter fades. Many families plan their holidays to Kashmir to escape the sweltering summer in Goa and to coincide with the summer school holidays.
Naik, who has organised tours to Kashmir since 2013, said he was shocked to hear that terrorists targeted tourists. “I organise around 40-50 tours to Kashmir every year. This is the first time that terrorists attacked tourists... the attacks were usually on the Army and in Uri and other locations. Tourists have been targeted this time,” said Naik.