Kolkata Travel Firms Launch ‘Chalo Kashmir’ Initiative

Quick Summary:

• Around 100 travel companies and several associated agencies in Kolkata have launched the ‘Chalo Kashmir’ initiative to support Kashmir tourism.
• The movement aims to counteract terrorism targeting the Valley’s hospitality industry, exemplified by the recent Pahalgam attack.
• These travel agencies collectively manage approximately 4 lakh domestic tourists annually, with about 40,000 of them visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
• Industry leaders believe encouraging tourism in Kashmir will serve as a bold statement against attempts to harm its economy and hospitality sector.
• More groups are expected to join the initiative.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The ‘Chalo Kashmir’ campaign represents a significant effort to bolster tourism as a means of economic resistance against terror attacks that target local industries. By uniting a substantial number of Kolkata-based agencies managing millions of domestic tourists annually, this initiative demonstrates solidarity within India’s tourism sector. Such actions could help mitigate negative impacts on livelihoods reliant on visitors. However,success hinges on sustained collaboration among stakeholders and addressing safety concerns that might deter potential travelers.

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