Sir,
Refer to the news that appeared in this paper on April 29,2025 that hotels in Kashmir refuse refunds despite govt order, appears to be irrational and totally unethical. Since a situation due to terrorist attack on tourists occured all of sudden at tourist destination at Pahalgam a famous destination and a base camp of Amar Nath Ji Yatra disturbed the normal life and made tourist very panicky and scared of the situation because the tourists were the targets.Hence they left in distress and haste and even those who were to come to visit now also cancelled the tours already planned.But, the attitude of the hoteliers of refusing the refunds appears to be undesirable and highly irresponsible. There are always terms and conditions fixed before a deal of tours and holiday packages are set. Therefore, no question of refusing refunds arise, though neither of the two parties are at fault. One understands that hoteliers might have spent for creating a huge infrastructure keeping in view the brisk response of tourists, but it does not mean to forfeit the money paid for the services not availed of. This type of approach earns a bad name for the hospitality already jammu and Kashmir is known for and will spoil the tourism industry.We have to look for suitable solution to maintain seriously the balance in between the both so that the customer may not suffer. The Govt may grant a temporary loan to the hoteliers for liquidating/refunding the money to the tourists and collect it by way of small instalments
Another question arises in the minds of people of J&K UT that why the tourist destination which can be vulnerable to the misdeeds of terrorism were left unprotected. For last few days a number of protests were seen against the terrorists in the valley by the locals besides the whole of nation, which is very good and appreciable gesture and I hope this may continue perpetually for mankind and the safety of tourists.This arises another hope for also paving a way for the dignified and secured return of natives of the land who are in exile for last 35 years and have heard nothing other than assurances.
Prof P K Koul
Retd Principal, Consumer Activist.
Follow our WhatsApp channel