Pahalgam terror attack: 90 pc tour bookings for Kashmir cancelled, say Delhi travel agencies
New Delhi (PTI): In the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, several travel agencies in Delhi said on Wednesday that nearly 90 per cent bookings for Jammu and Kashmir have been cancelled by tourists over safety concerns.
Around 25 people have asked them to cancel their bookings for the Union Territory, said Gaurav Rathi, owner of Swan Travellers, a company located in Shankar Market, Outer Circle, Connaught Place.
He added that most of the tourists had planned to visit Kashmir next month and are now requesting cancellations.
The attack took place around 3 pm on Tuesday, when terrorists descended from the mountains in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley and opened fire on tourists. The area, often referred to as "mini Switzerland" for its lush green meadows, is a popular tourist destination.
At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the ghastly attack.
Travel agencies in Delhi reported that nearly 90 per cent bookings for Kashmir have been cancelled, while some tourists are negotiating to shift their plans to alternative destinations.
"We had a few bookings from families. From bus and flight tickets to hotels -- everything was booked in advance. But the moment the news of the terror attack broke, we started receiving calls for cancellations," Dev, the owner of Kusha Travels, told PTI.
Popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Hajan Valley and the Tulip Gardens were among the most-booked destinations.
"We had more than 20 bookings for Kashmir for this month and next month, but almost all of those have been cancelled indefinitely," said Kartik Verma, a travel agent from Good Guide Tours and Travels.
"People are asking for refunds. They are saying they cannot risk taking their loved ones to a place where there is a chance that they might not return," he added.
Since some bookings, especially for flights and hotels, are non-refundable, it is creating a real mess for the tour agencies, Verma said, adding that during this time of the year, Kashmir is among the most sought-after destinations for families.
Another travel agency, Swastik Travels, said Kashmir is not just the first-choice destination for Delhiites, but also very popular among the tourists visiting Delhi, many of whom plan onward trips to the valley.
"It is not just Delhi residents cancelling their plans -- tourists already in the capital are also calling off their Kashmir trips, even though hotel tariffs are at a peak this summer. People are cancelling regardless of the cost," said the owner of Swastik Travels.
"Not just Kashmir, people are now scared to even visit Jammu. We had bookings for seven families headed to Katra for the Vaishno Devi shrine and all of those have been cancelled after the horrific attack," he added.
Another travel agency, AJ Tours and Travels, said they have been instructed to stop taking further bookings for Jammu and Kashmir.
"We have been directed by the Travel Association of Srinagar to halt all transportation and bookings. So we are not accepting any new bookings for Jammu and Kashmir until further notice," the agency said.
The Pahalgam attack is the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike.
Among the dead were two foreigners and two local residents, according to a senior official who declined to share more details.
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Amid relentless rain, fans wear white jersey to honour Virat Kohli the Test cricketer
Bengaluru, May 17 (PTI): 'Every single one of us loves you Virat Kohli. Thank you for making Red Ball cricket exciting again' -- read a huge banner unfurled by fans near the Roger Binny Stand.
Despite the relentless rain that washed out Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday became a beating theatre of white for one man — Virat Kohli, offering a fitting tribute to a cricketer who gave his everything for the format that is played in white.
It was an organic outpouring of affection for a player who placed Test cricket in the public conscience and was its most persuasive ambassador.
It was clear that the day belonged to Kohli as the fans queued up in white outside the stadium as early as 4.30 pm, carrying placards and wearing a white jersey with the famed No. 18 embossed on the back.
They wanted to catch a glimpse of Kohli, who generally sits in the front row of the team bus, hoping to get a glance back or a quick wave.
"Sir, avaru yavaga baruthare? (When will he come?)," an impatient fan would ask a group of scribes while walking through the ever-swelling crowd.
It was not just peak fandom. It mirrored the deep connection the city has developed with Kohli over the last 18 years.
All through these years, Kohli remained an unwavering RCBian, and the red and gold jersey was like a second skin for him.
"For me, the relationship and mutual respect that I have built with RCB over the years is the most valuable thing. Whether we win the trophy or not, it doesn't matter. This is my home," Kohli had said once.
In return, Bengaluru stayed loyal to Kohli even on times when the rest of the cricketing world derided him for his aggression or occasional petulance.
Kohli never had the pan-Indian God-like status of Sachin Tendulkar or was never adopted as 'Thala' as Chennai accepted MS Dhoni.
But he is as Bengalurean as anyone else, as indispensable to the city dwellers as a cup of morning coffee. Kohli has become their habit, an endearing addiction.
It's remarkable too. Karnataka has always been the hub of gentleman cricketers — from GR Viswanath to Anil Kumble to Javagal Srinath to Rahul Dravid, a proud lineage that matches the city's up-collared middle-class values.
But it wholeheartedly took an uber aggressive, non-Kannada speaking cricketer who is not hesitant to spit out a few expletives to the heart, and this strange wedlock should be studied from a socio-cultural angle.
Mo Bobat, the RCB team director, had touched upon that point, the Kohli-fan connection.
"He's about those special moments, those inspiring moments. He did that as captain, as a player, and we're all really proud of him. I'm sure the fans will show him lots of love this week when they see him again," Bobat had said.
However, the evening rains, part of the fast setting in monsoon in this part of the country, nearly undid their display of love.
But, the fans waited patiently — often chanting RCBEEE or Kooohli Kooohli.
Perhaps, it was a collective chant for the rains to move away and give them the chance for 'Kohli Darshan' — the RCB fans' version of 'Thala Darishanam', often used by Chennai Super Kings to describe Dhoni's sightings around the city.
But that moment never came as the skies opened up to washout the match between RCB and KKR.
The faithful had to contend with the visuals of a deeply thoughtful 'King' sitting in the dressing room that was often beamed on the big screen.
They welcomed those small crumbs of consolation with loud cheers, waving the RCB flags.
However, that's all there for them on a rain-drenched night.
But as Phil Collins famously sang there will be 'One More Night' for them to pay a more lively tribute to Kohli on May 23, when RCB face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
So, keep your whites dry Bengalurueans!
A fan of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli wears a number 18 white jersey, showing his stats and achievements, in his honour after he recently announced retirement from the test cricket, as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 T20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders is delayed due to rain, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru | PC: PTI
