J&K tourism industry hit by recent curfew, state losing Rs 100 crore a day

Srinagar: Curfew may have been lifted in Kashmir but the state's tourism industry is still counting its losses, which could be as much as Rs 100 crore a day.

The long wait continues for shikaras on the famous Dal lake in Srinagar. Enthused by two years of good tourist arrivals, 35-year-old Ejaz Ahmad had spent a lot of money refurbishing his boat, but is now counting his losses.

"Tourism is the first one to derail and the last one to come back on the tracks in a situation like that of Kashmir," Houseboat owner Ejaz Ahmad said.

Hotels are recording cancellations and airlines have reduced the number of flights or slashed rates by 50 to 60 per cent.

Kashmir's multi-billion tourism industry is worried. Hotels are recording cancellations and airlines have reduced the number of flights or slashed rates by 50 to 60 per cent. People are disappointed with the restrictions.

"You can see for yourself that we are all sitting idle. All the tourists who were here have left. The situation is quite bad," Shikarawalla Mehraj said.

Industry experts estimate losses to the tune of Rs 100 crore a day and are hoping that tourist arrivals would pick up once again in the days ahead.

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