Srinagar: Kashmir Provincial President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Showkat Ahmad Mir, on Sunday expressed concern over the continued restrictions on several tourist and adventure destinations across the Valley, saying the curbs have adversely affected the tourism sector and the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on it.
In a statement, Mir said that pony owners, tourist guides, transport operators, hawkers, hotel owners and others associated with the tourism industry have been facing severe financial difficulties due to the prolonged restrictions.
He said the limited accessibility to tourist destinations is also affecting the experience of visitors arriving from different parts of the country and abroad, thereby impacting Kashmir’s image as a major tourist destination.
Mir claimed that even at locations that remain open to visitors, various restrictions and administrative hurdles continue to create challenges for tourists as well as those engaged in tourism-related activities.
The NC leader said the prolonged restrictions have had a significant impact on the tourism ecosystem and urged the authorities to review the situation to facilitate the revival of tourism and allied sectors.
He also stressed the importance of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that an elected government with full powers would be better positioned to understand local realities and take balanced decisions in the interest of the people and the economy.
Mir maintained that the tourism sector remains a major source of livelihood for thousands of families and called for measures aimed at supporting its recovery and growth.
