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Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector is grappling with a severe downturn following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam last month, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. According to the Chamber of Tourism, Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK), the incident has brought the ongoing tourist season to a complete halt.

The chamber, representing tourism businesses in Katra – the entry point for pilgrims heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine – has warned of widespread economic fallout, reported PTI.

The organisation held an emergency meeting on Saturday, where it passed a resolution highlighting the extent of the disruption. The chamber attributed the decline in tourist footfall to the deteriorating security environment after the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military escalation. Indian forces responded to the incident with a missile strike on May 7, targeting terror networks in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The cross-border tensions that followed have led to widespread cancellations, severely impacting tourism-linked businesses.

Appeal for Relief Measures and Revival Initiatives

The resolution passed by CTTIK, moved by its president Raj Kumar Padha, denounced the terror strike and honoured the bravery of the Indian military during Operation Sindoor. “The tourism industry remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, contributing significantly to employment, trade, and overall economic activity. However, the industry is also the most vulnerable to disruptions, being the first to suffer and the last to recover in the event of any disturbance,” the resolution said.

Expressing sorrow over the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack and subsequent shelling from across the border, the chamber underlined how critical the April-May period is for tourism in the region. With the season now effectively decimated, stakeholders such as hoteliers, transport providers, shopkeepers, wholesalers, and various ancillary industries are experiencing intense financial strain.

In light of the crisis, the chamber urged the government to roll out a relief package. Specific recommendations include a six-month moratorium on EMI payments for term loans, interest subvention on ongoing borrowings and working capital, and the deferment of electricity bills and other government dues. These steps, according to the chamber, are essential for helping small and mid-sized businesses survive the current downturn.

In addition, the chamber called for a well-structured tourism revival plan. It recommended government-backed promotional drives, inclusive stakeholder consultations, and targeted incentives for tour operators and hospitality businesses. The chamber noted that restoring tourism is crucial not only for financial recovery but also for rebuilding morale among business owners and regaining the confidence of prospective travellers.

Padha appealed directly to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asking him to take prompt and empathetic action. The resolution concluded with a reminder that sustained government support is vital to stabilising the region’s economy and alleviating the hardships faced by those dependent on tourism. The chamber expressed hope that urgent and visionary steps would follow to protect the economic lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir.