The Pahalgam terror attack has led to a 90% drop in Kashmir tourism

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.