Odias Put Kashmir Vacation Plans on Hold, Tour Operators Stare at Loss

The Pahalgam terror attack has prompted tourists from Odisha to cancel the remainder of their trips in Jammu and Kashmir and return home.

- Diana Sahua@Bhubaneswar

Sources in the Odisha government said the majority of the tourists are returning home by cancelling their itinerary over safety concerns.

Only a few are looking for alternative destinations. "This attack will have a massive impact on tour operators of the state because a majority of the summer travel bookings are for the Union Territory," said the state chapter chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, Gagan Sarangi.

In fact, Kashmir emerged as the most sought-after destination for travelers from the state in the last few years because of its good connectivity compared to other hill stations. While "revenge tourism" post the Covid-19 pandemic saw travelers from Odisha choose J&K over other hill stations in the country, the travel trend saw a steep increase in the last two years.