* Tourism players say internet, cell phones must
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Oct 8: As the Government lifts travel advisory, the officials are indicating that the move could be a beginning for return of tourists to Kashmir but tourism players say restoration of normalcy is must for tourism revival.
Talking to Excelsior, Director Tourism Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Wani said that after receiving the directions the advisory-barring tourists from visiting the Valley-was formally lifted which will now pave the way for the tourists to return back after a brief gap.
“Now that things are returning to normal, it was high time to lift the advisory that was in place since August and let the tourists come back to Kashmir,” he said.
As the advisory stands lifted, the Director Tourism said that it could be an indication of things beginning to fall in place after a passage of more than two months, “it is a positive step and should be seen as a clear indication of other related things also falling in place in days to come,” he said.
When asked how the lifting of advisory was going to help when there was a total communication blockade in the Valley, he optimistically said that the step taken shall follow with the clearance of other ‘hindrances’ that are critical in facilitating their (tourists) travel to Valley.
“Let this be the beginning of things afresh,” he said, adding that the “department will use the medium of radio, television and other ways to persuade the tourists to head back to the Valley.”
The tourism industry players, however, are skeptical. Manzooor Ahmad, a houseboat owner, said that how can tourists return to Kashmir in such an atmosphere. “How can we operate without mobile phones and internet? It is mandatory for tourism industry. Unless and until it is not restored, no tourist will come here”, he said.
A Travel agent, Bashir Ahmad, said that return of peace is mandatory for the tourists to return. “We have already lost this year’s tourism. We are also keeping our fingers crossed for next year. We don’t know how long it will take situation to return to normalcy”, he said.
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